WASHINGTON - Congressmen Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) called Thursday for a swift resolution of any potential problems with the Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project underway at Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin.   The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program is designed to provide the Navy with a fast, flexible warship that can also operate in coastal areas.

 In January, the Navy issued a stop work order at the Bollinger Shipyard in Louisiana where one of the ships is being constructed, pending the outcome of a 90-day Navy review of why the project has spent almost double the initial cost estimates.  

“The Littoral Combat Ship is an important program to our national security,” Stupak said.  “While work has not stopped at Marinette Marine, it is important that the Navy and Lockheed Martin swiftly resolve any problems so that work can continue on the entire project unabated.”

Kagen echoed Stupak’s sentiments, saying, “The Navy and Lockheed Martin must identify any problems, correct them and move forward on this critical contract. The Littoral Combat Ship will provide the Navy with a valuable strategic asset.  I will fight hard for the workers and strategic shipbuilding assets of Marinette Marine.”  

The contract for the initial series of Littoral Combat Ships is split between two contractors: Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.   The Navy has so far ordered two ships from each contractor.  The initial Lockheed Martin ship, the LCS Freedom, is currently finishing construction at Marinette Marine.  Stupak and Kagen recently met with Congressman John Murtha (D-PA), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, who toured Marinette Marine last week.  A meeting with Lockheed Martin officials took place today in Congressman Kagen’s Longworth Office. 

“The LCS program is important not only to the Marinette-Menominee area, but to the Navy’s future capabilities and our nation’s defense.” Stupak said.  “As Congress is currently preparing its budget for Fiscal Year 2008, any problems need to be addressed quickly so this vital project can be put back on track.”  

Last month, the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Sea Power held an oversight hearing on the LCS program.  Lockheed Martin, Marinette Marine, and officials from the Navy all testified.  The LCS program was also discussed today during a full House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Navy’s budget request.