<home> -- <press releases> -- <May 22, 2008>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 8, 2008 Hagatna, Guam – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo issues the following statement on the updates regarding the water leakage from the U.S.S. Houston: “I have been updated on the status of the U.S.S. Houston incident. I was told that the valve leakage has occurred since 2006, which extended the number of locations which were potentially impacted. The Governments of Malaysia and Republic of Singapore were also informed that the U.S.S. Houston made port calls in those countries during this period. In addition, it is believed that this small amount of weepage from the valve and the subsequent tests of Apra Harbor by the U.S. Navy indicate that the leakage of water from the submarine did not harm the environment or place the residents of Guam or crew in danger. I will continue to work to ensure the safety of the residents of Guam as well as the sailors on-board our nuclear submarine force. I have requested and will receive a more comprehensive briefing from the U.S. Department of Energy, which has shared oversight on the safe operation of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. I also want to further explore how this defective valve went unnoticed during previous maintenance or while the ship was in service.” Contact: Joseph E. Duenas in joseph.duenas@mail.house.gov or audreya.taitano@mail.house.gov |
