WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to Bath Iron Works.  Both Senator Collins and Senator King extended invitations to Secretary Hagel to visit all defense facilities in Maine, including BIW, during his confirmation process earlier this year.  Unfortunately, due to Senate consideration of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization bill, neither Senator was able to accompany Secretary Hagel on his visit.

“I am delighted that Secretary Hagel has accepted our invitation to see our nation's finest shipyard, and I know he will be impressed with the work of the dedicated men and women of Bath Iron Works,” said Senator Collins. “BIW remains an extraordinary asset to the Navy, and I am pleased that Secretary Hagel will have the opportunity for a first-hand look at the ongoing shipyard programs, including a tour of the very first DDG-1000.  While I regret that official Senate business prevents me from accompanying the Secretary, I am confident that he will see the exceptional skill and experience of BIW's workers and the tremendous efficiencies in the yard that reap benefits for the Navy and the taxpayers.”

“I am pleased to join Senator Collins in welcoming Secretary Hagel to Maine and to Bath Iron Works, and regret that I could not personally accompany him on his tour due to ongoing work in the Senate,” Senator King said. “The Secretary's visit comes at an important time for the shipyard as it completes its work on the cutting-edge DDG-1000, and I have no doubt that during his tour he will come to witness firsthand the shipyard's immeasurable value, its significant contributions to our Navy and national defense, as well as its world-class workforce, all of whom are committed to building nothing but the finest ships in the world.”

Secretary Hagel will visit BIW en route to meetings this weekend at the Halifax Security Conference.  Senator Collins is also scheduled to attend the conference and to meet with Secretary Hagel while there. Senator King met personally with Secretary Hagel earlier this month at the Pentagon.

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