Ayotte Discusses Value of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with Chief of Naval Operations Nominee

Press Release

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today with U.S. Navy Admiral John Richardson, nominee to be the Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) highlighted the value of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), the importance of procuring at least two Virginia Class Submarines per year, and the need to institutionalize and share shipyard best practices.

In response to Ayotte's questions regarding best practices at PNSY, ADM Richardson said, "First, I would say that they just are a magnificent team up at Portsmouth [Naval Shipyard]."

Ayotte also highlighted the Readiness Subcommittee hearing she chaired Wednesday focused on best shipyard practices and encouraged ADM Richardson to institutionalize and share the best practices at Portsmouth that have helped the shipyard complete submarine maintenance on or ahead of schedule. In response, ADM Richardson said, "We can share best practices and we can share lessons learned as well, more effectively. And so that has been an emphasis of my time here and will continue if confirmed as CNO."

Ayotte also highlighted in the hearing the fact that currently the Navy can only meet about half of combatant commander requests for attack submarines and that the attack submarine fleet is scheduled to drop from 54 to 41 submarines by 2029. Continuing her leadership in the Senate to ensure the Navy procures two Virginia Class Submarines per year to mitigate that looming shortfall, Ayotte asked ADM Richardson about the submarine fleet. ADM Richardson said, "...exactly as you say, we've got to continue to mitigate that dip in attack submarine force level below the requirement of 48...The two Virginia Class Submarines per year are a critical part of that."

As a member of the Seapower Subcommittee, Senator Ayotte has served as one of the leading advocates in Congress for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the American naval supremacy that is so crucial for U.S. security and prosperity. In addition to playing a major role in authorizing funding for necessary projects at the shipyard, Senator Ayotte utilized her position on the Armed Services Committee to push for the acquisition of two Virginia Class Submarines each year, instead of only one. Her successful efforts will help mitigate a looming shortfall in attack submarines that threatens our national security and will ensure the workers at Portsmouth are fully utilized for years to come-making the shipyard less susceptible to a future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round, which she has consistently opposed.

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