Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Marinette Marine Corporation Sept. 12 to tour the shipyard and receive an update on the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) and its manufacturing process.
“LCS represents the future;” said Mabus, “the future of the Navy, the future of manufacturing and the future of how we get things done.”
Citing recent improvements in LCS production costs, Mabus commended those at Marinette Marine Corporation for the work they have done on behalf of the Department of the Navy.
“The cost of the 10th LCS out of here (Marinette) is going to be about half of the first, and what that means is that you are doing your job really well,” he said.
During his visit Mabus also spoke with shipyard workers, thanking them for their commitment, and reiterated the importance of a strong industrial base to the Navy’s warfighting capabilities.
“The work that you do here at Marinette is work that protects America,” said Mabus. “You can’t come through here and not think that American manufacturing is exceptional. American manufacturing leads the world…just like the American Navy.”
Mabus also underscored his commitment to both LCS and the Navy’s partnership with industry.
“The Chief of Naval Operations and I are absolutely committed to the LCS program,” he said. “As Secretary of the Navy, I’m doing everything I can to protect shipbuilding and, working together, we’re going to make sure we get the ships the Navy needs.”
There are currently four LCSs under construction at Marinette Marine Corporation shipyard, with two more in the material procurement process.
[mappress] Press Release, September 13, 2013; Image: US Navy