KITTERY, ME — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) toured Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) with Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven, highlighting the importance of the shipyard to America’s national security. During the visit, Senator King and Under Secretary Raven viewed modernization efforts that will expand the Navy’s capacity for submarine maintenance, met with workers, and heard from PNSY leadership about the shipyard’s needs. Throughout the visit, Senator King stressed the importance of providing Maine shipyards with stable, predictable funding levels so they can develop long-term plans to support America’s national defense. 

“Maine’s shipyards have long been a cornerstone of our national security infrastructure. It was a privilege to show Under Secretary Raven the excellent work of the men and women at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the importance of the facility to our Naval readiness, and it’s longstanding impact on Maine’s economy,” said Senator King. “I look forward to our continued work with the Under Secretary to protect America’s national security and ensure that our sailors have the best-possible tools to complete their missions.”

“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is integral to the readiness of our submarine fleet,” said Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven. “This visit highlighted the incredible teamwork among Sailors and Navy civilians to perform this important mission, and how Portsmouth is modernizing to meet the needs of our Nation. I would also like to thank the surrounding communities for their partnership, support of the Navy our service members and their families.” 

At Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), the Senator showed Under Secretary Raven the important modernization efforts at Dry Dock #1 that will allow PNSY to increase its capacity for maintaining the Navy’s submarine fleet. Senator King has long championed this modernization project – in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act King secured $160 million for the project, and in September 2021, he took part in the Dry Dock’s groundbreaking.   

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King has championed funding for both Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY). In the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, Senator King secured authorization of $4.9 billion for the procurement of 3 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers which BIW can compete to build and $2.5 million for the planning and design of a new child development center for PNSY. In 2021, he hosted Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at BIW where they took part in a similar tour, and earlier, he hosted Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker at both BIW and PNSY.