SE Connecticut News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 17, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after the future USS IOWA (SSN 797) christening ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton. Congress authorized funding for the construction of the future IOWA in the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act. Courtney serves as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, which authorizes submarine construction and industrial base support.

“On June 17, christening of the IOWA marks another pivotal moment for Virginia-class submarine program. Last year, two Virginias were commissioned – Oregon and Montana. Later this year two more – Rickover and New Jersey – will be commissioned as well. And after on June 17, Iowa and USS Massachusetts will be on deck for launch in the near future.  

“This steady cadence is a strong rebuttal to the naysayers and hand wringers who have been mindlessly second-guessing the productivity and capacity of the U.S. submarine industrial base.  

“Electric Boat has obviously met the call. And based on my frequent visits to job fairs, trade schools, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship graduations, Connecticut’s young, talented, and growing workforce is just getting started to meet a workload that will extend to the late 2030s.

“This is also a pivotal time for the submarine’s strategic role as our nation embarks on the trilateral AUKUS security agreement with our Australian and British allies. I had the honor to join Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven at the announcement of the AUKUS Optimal Pathway at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego on March 13, where three heads of government – President Biden, Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and British Prime Minister Sunak – stood side by side with leaders of their navies in front of the USS Missouri – the “Mighty Mo,” built here in Groton – to declare their support for this historic agreement. In essence, AUKUS is a commitment that the U.S. Navy will, for the first time since 1958, share nuclear propulsion technology with the great nation of Australia – a trusted ally.

“Our partnership explains the presence of guests from Australia here in Groton, led by Rear Admiral Ian Murray.  

“Their presence today follows last week’s two-day stopover by the Australian Minister of Defense Industry, Pat Conroy, who will lead Australia’s efforts to stand-up its fledging submarine industry. This will be a daunting task for a country of 26 million people. But it was clear during that visit that Australia is all in, and they recognize that the expertise of Electric Boat shipbuilders will be essential for AUKUS to succeed.  

“Today’s christening of IOWA is visible, tangible evidence of what shipbuilder and Navy sailor persistence and talent can accomplish, which is needed inspiration for our two nations. Best wishes to the Iowa’s crew on your sea trials and we hope to see you soon for commissioning and launch.    

“To the entire Electric Boat team, your partners from Newport News, PCU Iowa’s Skippers—Captain Quintin James and Commander Matthew Powell–and your crew, thank you for all your hard work and persistence to get to this milestone day – the long-awaited christening of the USS Iowa.”

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Defense & National Security Economy & JobsEastern Connecticut

Original source can be found here.