At a recent hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Navy, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, raised questions regarding key naval projects. The focus was on the timing of awarding a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the progress of Dry Dock One expansion at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY).
Senator Collins expressed concerns about reliance on reconciliation funding for shipbuilding amidst China’s rapidly growing naval fleet. She emphasized the need to increase the base budget to address global threats and inflation.
Collins questioned Secretary of the Navy John Phelan about executing a third Arleigh Burke option ship. Phelan acknowledged its importance and noted ongoing analysis of force posture and manned-unmanned balance. He stated, “We’re in the kind of final innings of getting to that… I look forward to coming back to you soon with that.”
The discussion also touched on surface Navy’s value, with Collins citing destroyers’ role in Red Sea operations as evidence.
Regarding PNSY’s Dry Dock One expansion, Admiral James Kilby confirmed progress under the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP). He assured that operational availability dates are being met to address maintenance backlogs.
Senator Collins secured $401 million for SIOP at PNSY in 2025 to enhance submarine maintenance capacity. In April, she visited PNSY with Secretary Phelan during his first public shipyard visit since confirmation.
