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Gene Taylor News

24 Sep 2010

Coast Guard Commandant Addresses Ship Budget

The Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, Co-Chaired by Representatives Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Rob Wittman (R-VA), hosted a meeting with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Robert J. Papp, to discuss the Coast Guard’s ship force structure needs, its missions, future threats, and the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Members of the Caucus in attendance were Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA). Admiral Papp conveyed the difficulty the Coast Guard has in keeping its major programs funded sufficiently. The Admiral discussed specific programs such as the National Security Cutter (NSC), the Fast Response Cutter (FRC), and the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC).

24 Jun 2010

Senator Cochran to Receive Herbert H. Bateman Award

Photo courtesy U.S. Senator Thad Cochran

The American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) announced that U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) would be the 2010 recipient of the Herbert H. Bateman Award. The award will be presented Wednesday, June 23 at 6:00 pm during ASA's Salute to the Illih Congress reception in the Gold Room (2168) of the Rayburn House Office Building. "Thad Cochran, throughout his 38 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate, has been a tireless advocate for a stronger shipbuilding industry and our Nation's sea services.

15 May 2009

Reed Receives Herbert H. Bateman Award

The American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) announced that Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is the 2009 recipient of the Herbert H. Bateman Award. This award was presented on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00 pm during ASA’s Salute to the 111th Congress reception in the Gold Room (2168) of the Rayburn House Office Building. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, Senator Reed is a senior Member of the Armed Services Committee, a Member of the Subcommittee on Seapower, and a Member of the Appropriations Committee. Senator Jack Reed has dedicated his years in the United States Senate to working men and women who build the finest submarines and surface ships in the world so that American Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and women have the best in executing their missions.

04 Apr 2008

Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus Reaches Major Milestone

The Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, chaired by Reps. Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Rob Wittman (R-VA), has reached a major milestone with the addition of its 100th member. The Caucus was established in 2005 to educate lawmakers about the shipbuilding industry. The Caucus also works to promote the enactment of budgets and policies geared toward rebuilding our sea services and shipbuilding industrial base. Today, it is one of the largest and most proactive caucuses in Congress. “As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional responsibility to maintain our nation’s naval fleet,” Congressman Taylor said. The shipbuilding industry is not just confined to states that have shipyards. There are 47 states that have first-tier manufacturers making systems and components for ships.

06 Feb 2008

Wittman to Co-Chair Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus

Rob Whittman was announced as the new Co-chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus. The announcement came from Congressman Gene Taylor, another Co-Chair for the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus. Congressman Wittman was elected on December 11, 2007 during a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the late Jo Ann Davis. The Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus was founded by Congressman Taylor and Congressman Davis in January 2005. The Caucus was intended as a forum for which members of Congress could discuss shipbuilding issues that would impact their districts. The Caucus currently has 98 members. Source: WAVY

25 Jan 2008

Wounded Warriors to Serve at MMA

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced that U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (USMMA) will be opened to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps veterans recovering from combat injuries for assignment. The Academy, located on Long Island, New York, will provide an opportunity for wounded sailors and Marines to continue active duty as they recuperate from their injuries in a setting that is relatively close to their homes and families. Students at the Academy will benefit through interaction with veterans with recent combat experience, she added. Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton, along with Secretary of the Navy Donald C.

03 Oct 2003

Navy Names Newest USNS Ship for Medal of Honor Recipient

The U.S. Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, Tuesday, Oct. Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, Lt. Gen. Martin R. Berndt, is the ceremony's principal speaker. Margaret Taylor, wife of Rep. across the bow to officially name the ship. The ship is named in honor of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy M. (1947-1967), a native of Moselle, Miss. On Aug. sacrificed his life to save the lives of two other Marines. with his own body. and possible death. with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. mariners as a part of the Maritime Prepostioning Force (MPF) program. roll-on/roll-off and container cargo. airfield, a naval construction battalion, and a fleet hospital. tons fully loaded, and can sustain speeds of more than 20 knots.

07 Jan 2004

Rolls-Royce Marine Expands U.S. Presence

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc. broke ground for the expansion of its foundry in Pascagoula, Miss. The new facility is designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve production efficiency across a range of Marine propellers and submarine propulsors. “The expansion of this facility demonstrates our commitment to our customers,” said Patrick J. Marolda, President, Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc. “We wanted to provide better products faster – to be better able to compete…

06 Jan 2004

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Expands Foundry

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc. broke ground today for the expansion of its foundry in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The new facility will enhance manufacturing capabilities and improve production efficiency across a range of Marine propellers and submarine propulsors. "The expansion of this facility demonstrates our commitment to our customers," said Patrick J. Marolda, President, Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc. "We wanted to provide better products faster -- to be better able to compete -- and upgrading and streamlining our manufacturing in this facility allows us to do just that. The leading-edge, 18,000 square foot facility will have a number of unique features.

24 May 2004

MSC Observes National Maritime Day

Pictured is U.S. Representative Gene Taylor of Mississippi. More than 200 guests attended Military Sealift Command's annual National Maritime Day ceremony at Willard Park on the Anacostia River at the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., to honor some unsung heroes of our nation's defense -- America's merchant mariners. Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, commander, MSC, hosted the ceremony that was attended by former Maryland congresswoman Helen Bentley as well as current and former members of the maritime service and military.

21 Jun 2004

Congressman Hunter Wins Bateman Award

The American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) announced on June 21, 2004 that Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) would be the 2004 recipient of the Herbert H. Bateman Award. This award will be presented on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6:00 pm during ASA’s Salute to the 108th Congress reception in the Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. “Duncan Hunter, throughout his nearly 24 years on the Armed Services Committee, has been a tireless advocate of a stronger defense shipbuilding industrial base. He has consistently worked for larger defense procurement budgets to fund the required number of naval ships,” said Cynthia Brown, President of the American Shipbuilding Association.

20 Feb 2005

U.S. Rep. Taylor: Navy Budget Insufficient

WASHINGTON, DC – After reviewing the President’s defense budget and hearing testimony from the Secretary of the Navy on Thursday, Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) expressed his concern about the number of ships funded under the FY06 defense budget request. “The Navy’s request for reductions in several important shipbuilding programs will leave the United States short of the fleet size needed to meet existing security requirements,” Taylor said. A senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chairman of the newly formed Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, Taylor articulated his dismay over the declining number of ships in the U.S. Navy fleet. “The shrinking is not just about numbers, but about reduced capabilities that threaten our national security.

03 Mar 2005

First Shipbuilding Caucus "A Huge Success"

Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) convened the first meeting of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus today. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark, was the first guest speaker at the closed session. In comments during the Caucus meeting, Taylor expressed his worry that the current 290-ship fleet is well-below the Navy’s recommended requirements. "If enacted, the proposed FY06 Navy shipbuilding budget doesn’t fix the situation. In fact, this budget would only undercut our ability to fight the Global War on Terror and meet the national security challenges of the future," said Taylor. Taylor also conveyed his great concern over the Navy’s recent announcement to re-open the competition for the DD(X) destroyer.

21 Apr 2005

Taylor Reacts to DD(X) Decision

The Department of Defense announced that they would back off a previously announced Navy proposal to conduct a winner-take-all competition between shipyards for the construction of the next generation destroyer DD(X). According to the President's fiscal year 2006 budget, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Mississippi, was scheduled to build the first three DD(X) destroyers, with Maine's General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard building two additional ships. However, changes to the shipbuilding budget triggered the Navy to explore a revised bidding process that would have created a winner-take-all competition between Northrop Grumman and Bath Iron Works. "You're looking at a situation where one shipyard would likely be forced out of business.

21 Apr 2005

Honey, they Shrunk the Fleet!

The Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus met yesterday with shipbuilding industry officials to discuss commercial and military shipbuilding priorities. The event was part of the Shipbuilding Industry Day Conference hosted by the American Shipbuilding Association. During a discussion among members of Congress, presidents of the Big Six shipyards, shipbuilding labor representatives, and major ship system and component manufacturers from across the country, the group outlined the threats facing the Nation if our naval fleet and shipbuilding industry continue to decline. Shipbuilding Caucus co-chairs Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) and Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) were joined by Congressmen Tom Allen (D-ME)…

13 May 2005

Taylor: Base Closures "Bone-Headed"

"Back in February 2001, Rumsfeld announced his intention to hold a round of base closures. February 2001 was a whole different world than the one we're in now," said Taylor. "On September 11th, 2001, we were attacked. Since then, we've gone to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. We've declared a global war on terrorism. We're closing bases abroad and bringing home thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. But, Rumsfeld is hell-bent on closing our bases, and he seems to ignore long-term considerations for our nation. Taylor, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, cited Rumsfeld's past missteps, saying, "Rumsfeld sent our troops into war without body armor. He hemmed and hawed on up-armoring our military vehicles.

20 Jul 2007

Ship System and Component Manufacturers Discuss Past and Future

The Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus (CSC) co-chaired by Representatives Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Jo Ann Davis (R-VA), met with ship component manufacturers on the impact that low rates of naval shipbuilding have had on their companies and the challenges confronting the ship manufacturing industrial base. The ship manufacturers that met with the Caucus included: Mr. Craig Hansen of BWXT/ Babcock and Wilcox in Mount Vernon, IN; Mr. Walter Herr of Fairbanks Morse Engine in Beloit, WI; Mr. Roy Arnold of IMECO, Inc. in Iron Mountain, MI; Mr. Michael Stobbart of Lister Chain and Forge, Inc. in Blaine, WA; and Mr. Terry Sterling of Nelson Stud Welding in Elyria, OH.

13 Jul 2007

New Navy Acquisition Deputy Appointed

U.S. "We are pleased to note that the Secretary of Defense has agreed with the position of the Committee on Armed Services that an officer in the grade of Vice Admiral would be a valuable addition to the staff of the senior Navy acquisition executive. The Committee has long felt that a senior officer serving as the Principle Deputy to the Assistant Secretary for Research, Development and Acquisition would be a valuable link between the uniformed service and the civilian acquisition professionals.

06 Jun 2007

ASNE Day Slated for June 25 and 26

In Arlington, Virginia The American Society of Naval Engineers will ASNE Day on June 25 & 26. This event will address the challenge that is associated with designing and building naval ships and how important it is to take advantage of electric power systems. The event will include principal speakers like Gene Taylor, a panel that will be giving out information about affordable ship building, and technical paper sessions that include topics like modeling & simulation, as well as high power combat systems and sensors. On Monday night of June 25, the 2007 Honors Gala will be held. This black tie banquet affair will be to honor those who are receiving ASNE awards. Such awards include: The Gold Medal Award, Harold E. Saunders Award, Solberg, Claud A. Jones, Award Frank G.

06 Jun 2007

Senator Collins to Receive Bateman Award

The American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) announced that Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) is the 2007 recipient of the Herbert H. Bateman Award. This award will be presented on Wednesday, June 6th at 6:00 pm during ASA’s Salute to the 110th Congress reception. Senator Collins was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and reelected in 2002, and is Ranking Member and former Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Armed Services Committee. “Senator Collins is a consistent, strong advocate for the shipbuilding industry of the United States. She helped to defeat the Navy’s ‘One Shipyard’ policy to ensure that both Bath Iron Works and Ingalls continue to design and build surface combatants for the Navy.

25 May 2007

Taylor Pledges Hearing on Navy Boat Barriers

U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor, Chairman of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee, informed the United States Navy that he will hold a hearing to investigate alleged problems and potential wrongdoing in the procurement of Navy boat barriers. "Today's front-page Washington Post story suggesting widespread waste, disregard of federal procurement rules and possible wrongdoing in the Navy's purchase of ship force protection barriers presents a shocking picture of abuse," said Taylor. "Based on what I have read, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) appears to have taken the unusual position of insisting that it lead the investigation into its own alleged wrongdoing. I have called for an immediate hearing into this issue," Taylor concluded. Rep.

16 Mar 2007

Congress Promotes Commercial Shipbuilding

The House Armed Services Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee received testimony on the Federal Ship Loan Guarantee Program, also known as Title XI, which facilitates financing of commercial ship construction in U.S. shipyards. Cynthia L. Brown, President of the American Shipbuilding Association, testified on the importance of funding and improving the program to increase commercial ship construction in the U.S. Members of the subcommittee in attendance were Chairman Gene Taylor (D-MS), Ranking Member Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Joe Sestak (D-PA). Chairman Gene Taylor stressed the importance of Title XI…

08 Mar 2007

Report: Lockheed Could Lose LCS Contract

Adm. Michael Mullen, the Navy's Chief of Naval Operations, said Thursday that Lockheed Martin Corp. could lose part of its Littoral Combat Ship contract, depending on the results of a pending review, as reported in Business Week. Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin is on contract to build two ships, dubbed LCS 1 and LCS 3. The first ship is under construction and considerably over budget, which recently prompted the Navy to halt work on LCS 3. The Navy is on course to decide in the next few weeks whether to move to termination or to continue the program for LCS 3 according to reports. The Navy plans to build 55 of the new ships, which are designed to hunt mines, submarines and small enemy boats in coastal waters.