(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin attended the House Armed Services Committee’s Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing on the US Navy Nuclear Submarine Force on Monday at the Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT. The hearing focused on the Navy’s approach to maintaining and evolving the nuclear submarine force to meet the future global threats.

Congressman Langevin used Monday’s hearing as an opportunity to voice concern over the current state of the Navy’s submarine fleet. “Southeastern New England is the world leader in undersea warfare, with more than 60 percent of our nation’s undersea warfare work performed in our region,” stated Congressman Langevin. “I will continue to apply pressure on the Navy about its intentions to grow the submarine fleet here. Submarines, built proudly by Rhode Island residents, provide an unparalleled platform for guaranteeing the effectiveness of our Navy, yet we have not made the appropriate investment to meet our nation’s needs.

“The Navy needs to recognize the amazing synergy between Electric Boat and defense facilities such as the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport and the Submarine Base in Connecticut. When we look at the industrial base, we must remember that it involves the strong working relationships that have been established between researcher, industry and war fighter. The combination of these factors simply cannot be replicated elsewhere with the same record of achievement.”

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