The U.S. Navy launches the littoral combat ship Fort Worth on Saturday during a ceremony at Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette. (H. Marc Larson/Press-Gazette)
Posted on 12/05/2010 7:08:39 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
As Ship is Christened, Shipbuilder Awaits Word on Navy Contract
Updated: Dec 05, 2010 4:47 AM
There were mixed emotions in Marinette Saturday after the christening ceremony and launch of the USS Fort Worth. With the ship 80 percent complete, 200 ship builders will lose their jobs within the next two weeks.
"Unfortunately we do believe there will be some temporary layoffs starting very shortly. Until such times that we can start back up on the next LCS," says Richard McCreary, CEO of Marinette Marine.
If congress approves the bill, Marinette Marine would have a $5 billion Navy contract to build 10 more ships like the USS Fort Worth. But congress is running out of time because the bids expire December 14. If it's not approved, the Navy will have to pick between Marinette Marine and another ship builder to get the job done.
Cheers filled the air as the nation's third littoral combat ship touched water for the first time Saturday morning. "The Fort Worth is absolutely a fantastic ship, made and manufactured by the best workers in the country. The goal is obviously it not being the last one," says State Sen. Dave Hansen, (D) Green Bay.
But two hundred workers will lose their jobs in the next two weeks and thousands more could be in jeopardy unless congress approves the bill that will bring the $5 billion contract to Marinette. The December 14 deadline is quickly approaching, but officials say they're confident.
"Right now we believe we have strong support in the house and continuing to work with the senate where the bill will next go," says Sean Stackley, U.S. Navy.
According to congressman Steve Kagen, (D) WI 8th Congressional District, the only hold up is Arizona Senator John McCain.
"Senator McCain has offered the argument that he wants the cost to go down but then we you think about it, when will the cost ever be lower to acquire these ships. The costs will not go down from this moment forward," explains Kagen.
Kagen says that's why now is the time to seal the contract. "I think it's going to be Russ Feingold, myself, Herb Kohl and Bart Stupak who will stand forward, contact the senator and convince him."
When asked if Kagen can convince McCain before the deadline, Kagen answered, "I'm very hopeful."
The U.S. Navy launches the littoral combat ship Fort Worth on Saturday during a ceremony at Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette. (H. Marc Larson/Press-Gazette)
DoD believes defense products should be gifted to the government, with all risk on the contractors and no prospect of profit.
They will tell you otherwise in their speeches, but policies make the intent clear.
That's what happened to DRS a place i worked for 9 years the Government along with the help of the Idiocy of the Company gifted itself almost all the way out of existence in my Division now after 9 years I’m looking once again for a real job
And saying this job market and this economy sucks is a gargantuan Understatement
Guess what? Both Schoolhouse Kagan and Stupak are going to no longer be congressmen from this area.
Kaputs/Stupak lives just across the river from Marinette.
Want to talk about shady deals? This was one nasty pay off.
What were the momento’s placed under the USS Fort Worth’s mast for the christening?
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