Hirono Calls on Navy to Prioritize Maintenance and Workforce Development at Public Shipyards

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps programs, questioned shipbuilding industry witnesses today on the importance of readiness, prioritizing fleet maintenance, and workforce development when discussing increasing the number of ships in the Navy’s fleet. The Senator also pressed industry leaders on how procurement policies can be improved to ensure that the Navy remains fit to fight.

From Senator Hirono’s opening remarks:

“In Hawaii, we understand the threats our country faces and the Navy’s role in confronting them. This is particularly true at a time when four out of five of our country’s most pressing national security challenges are present in the Pacific Theater.

“Any plan to expand the size of our Navy must provide a simultaneous commitment to continuing shipyard modernization, funding maintenance availability, and developing a skilled workforce to maintain the fleet.”

Click on the photo above to watch the Senator’s opening statement

Click here to download broadcast quality video

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