COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson joined several U.S. senators, DLA Land and Maritime’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard leadership and associates Nov. 22 to celebrate the official groundbreaking of a new Navy submarine servicing facility.
Watson shared with the gathering that he was delighted to pinch hit for Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer, who was traveling and couldn’t attend the event. He said being at the groundbreaking signified that they were all on the same page when it comes to validating that support to our military is critical to national defense.
Watson highlighted the event as an example of the solid partnership that exists between DLA and the Navy; a partnership that helps to emphasize the strategic importance of providing support to the nation’s warfighters.
“Portsmouth is one of DLA Land and Maritime’s four shipyard detachments and we remain focused on working with the Navy to deliver the excellent logistics support they need to execute their worldwide mission,” Watson said.
Special appreciation was shared by visiting U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, who each took time to impart words of encouragement about the important role cooperation and partnerships play in ensuring the lethality of America’s fighting forces.
Costing more than $17 million, the construction project represents the second phase of the Navy’s DLA Area Development Plan for Portsmouth approved in 2014. It will build more than 29,000 square feet of additional warehouse space and enable operations to move from three aging and inefficient structures to one.
The new facility completes the consolidation and modernization of a local submarine component processing facility and includes installation of a new automated material handling system that will take full advantage of the new building’s capacity. It will also enhance the ability of DLA and the Navy to receive, inspect and distribute submarine components supporting the Navy’s worldwide fleet operations.
When finished, the facility will provide a more effective and safe use of space, while supporting a more efficient logistics process. The projected completion date is January 2021.