BATH, Maine — The Navy's top admiral has toured two of the newest ships and met with sailors and shipbuilders at Maine's Bath Iron Works.
Adm. John Richardson spent about three hours at the shipyard Thursday on his first visit since becoming chief of naval operations. While there, he addressed the crews of the stealthy Zumwalt and the Peralta, two destroyers that are under construction.
He also met with shipbuilders and supervisors, saying recent headlines underscore the impact that shipbuilders have on our national security.
The shipyard's largest union recently adopted a new labor pact ahead of the expiration of the old agreement in a bid to cut costs and become more competitive. The Navy has stressed that costs are going to be the driver on shipbuilding contracts going forward.