Defense Budget Includes More Funding For Ships Manufactured In Marinette

The Senate’s Armed Services Committee has approved several more Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), like those built at Marinette Marine.

The full Senate still needs to sign off on the new National Defense Authorization Act, but part of it includes money for three of the Navy ships that are built in Wisconsin and in Mobile, Ala. A House committee signed off on just two more LCS.

The first LCS was commissioned in 2008. Critics say the ships are potentially vulnerable targets and have had communications problems.

Wisconsin’s Sens. Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin are not committee members, but support the continued funding. In a written statement, Baldwin says the project supports 2,000 jobs in the state and has a significant ripple effect for suppliers to Marinette Marine.

Earlier this year, the company said it is working to drive down the cost of each ship it makes and appreciates the Senators’ support in Washington.