At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, engaged with Navy officials regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. The discussions focused on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer contract and the expansion of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).
Senator Collins questioned Secretary of the Navy John Phelan about the timeline for awarding a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. This ship is part of funding secured by Collins in the FY 2025 funding bill. She also addressed Admiral James Kilby, Acting Chief of Naval Operations, about progress on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which is crucial for maintaining Virginia-class submarines.
Collins expressed concerns over reliance on reconciliation funding for shipbuilding amidst China’s expanding naval fleet. “Reconciliation was always meant to be just a one-time funding surge,” she stated, urging an increase in the base budget to address global threats and inflation.
Secretary Phelan acknowledged these concerns and noted ongoing analyses of force posture and fleet balance. He remarked on his informative visits to Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, indicating efforts to improve efficiency across public shipyards.
Regarding surface Navy capabilities, Collins emphasized their importance by citing destroyers’ roles in missile defense and maintaining open shipping lanes in strategic regions like the Red Sea.
Inquiries about PNSY’s Dry Dock One were directed at Admiral Kilby. The SIOP aims to modernize public shipyards for nuclear warship maintenance. Kilby affirmed that progress is on track: “Yes, ma’am, I believe we are.”
Senator Collins has secured $401 million for SIOP projects at PNSY in 2025 to enhance its capacity for fast-attack submarine maintenance. Her visit with Secretary Phelan marked his first trip to a public shipyard since confirmation.
