HARTFORD—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, on Thursday applauded the U.S. Navy’s announcement exercising the contract option of $9.47 billion for the first two Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines to be assembled at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton:

“This landmark Columbia-class agreement opens a historic new era in submarine construction at Electric Boat,” said Murphy and Blumenthal. “The first two boats in this new class, it means major opportunities for the hardworking men and women in Groton and throughout the entire supply chain of manufacturers. Columbia-class submarines will help provide a powerful deterrent through the 2080s, proudly built right here in Connecticut. It will both strengthen our national security and create many high-skilled jobs. This contract reflects significant support and investment on the part of EB, its workers and Connecticut federal and state officials.  We look forward to maintaining Connecticut’s role as a leading source of high tech military weapons that keep America secure.”

Earlier this year, Murphy and Blumenthal celebrated the preliminary awarding of this contract to Electric Boat. The senators will be attending the press conference at Electric Boat on Friday at 2 pm.

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