Courtney statement after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's visit to Electric Boat

WASHINGTON, DC– Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement at the conclusion of U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's visit to Groton-based Electric Boat (EB). Courtney joined the Secretary for the visit, which included a tour of the USS Mississippi and a question-and-answer session with the EB workforce.

"Secretary Panetta recognizes the strategic value and role of our submarine force in meeting our current and future national security priorities. He also shares my belief that maintaining a strong and active industrial base, the likes of which we have right here in eastern Connecticut, is vital to ensuring our country's continued competitive edge. As we face difficult budgetary choices, it is important to note that no other program on record today is doing what EB is doing – bringing boats in under cost and ahead of schedule. It was obvious as we toured the USS Mississippi – the next submarine ready for commissioning – that the Secretary was extremely impressed with the skill of the workforce and high capability of its cutting-edge technology."