Gallagher: FFG (X) Contract Massive Win for Northeast Wisconsin, Free World
GREEN BAY, WI — Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the U.S. Navy announced that Fincantieri Marinette Marine was awarded a contract to build the Navy's new frigate. If all options are exercised on the contract, it will deliver the first ten FFG (X) ships for a total of more than $5.5 billion.
"This a massive win for Northeast Wisconsin, for America, and for the Free World," said Rep. Gallagher. "For years we have worked to put Fincantieri Marinette Marine in a position to build the Navy's new frigate and now, thanks to the hard work and unparalleled skill of their workforce, they will do just that. This means generations of Northeast Wisconsin workers will build the best warships and allow future generations of U.S. sailors to accomplish their mission and come home safe. I am proud to support this shipyard as a member of the Armed Services Committee, and will always do so as long as I'm in Congress. The FFG (X) will be on the frontlines of freedom, protecting our interests in contested seas, and ensuring freedom of navigation. This is a reminder that Northeast Wisconsin always answers the call to serve the country, and that the true strength of this country is found in communities just like ours."
The FFG (X) class is designed to be a multi-mission small surface combatant able to meet the demands of the National Defense Strategy, and will feature a new radar system, 32 vertical launch cells, and an Aegis combat system. In addition to ensuring work at the shipyard for the duration of the contract, the project is projected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs to benefit our local workforce.
"Team is elated to hear of the recent Frigate class contract award. We congratulate Fincantieri on all their hard work in securing this award. As a supplier to Marinette Marine, this is great news for Team Industries, Inc. and all of Northeast Wisconsin. We congratulate the U.S. Navy for selecting the most technologically advanced shipyard in the world," saidJohn Panetti, President, TEAM Industries.
"The award of the FFG(x) ships to Fincantieri Marinette Marine is nothing but fabulous news for all of Wisconsin and the Nation. It's supply chain runs deep, far and wide. Fincantieri should feel proud that their faculties are up to the challenge. We should thank Rep. Gallagher for all his help through this process and what a great day for the front lines workers," saidBrad Hurckman, President, Hurckman Mechanical Industries.
"It's a great day for the North East Wisconsin worker. The awarding of the FFG contract to Marinette Marine will provide strong, high paying, community sustaining jobs for many years to come. The members and employers of UA local 400 are looking forward to working with MMC on this project," saidTrevor Martin, UA Local 400 Business Manager.
Background:
Rep. Gallagher has been a champion of Fincantieri Marinette Marine and has long pushed the Navy and other defense officials to award the contract for FFG (X) to the shipyard. Last year, he accompanied former Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer and White House Advisor Peter Navarro to the shipyard to promote Wisconsin's contributions to the nation's defense industrial base. He also joined Vice President Mike Pence at the shipyard last year where the Vice President said Rep. Gallagher is "fighting for jobs in Marinette and leading the charge."
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