WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Susan Collins issued the following press release:
U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered the keynote address at the formal signing ceremony marking the transfer of the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), the "State of Maine," to Maine Maritime Academy (MMA). This ceremony officially transferred the operation of the vessel from the U.S. Maritime Administration to MMA.
This $330 million ship will be MMA's newest training vessel, equipped with two full-sized bridges and engine rooms. In addition to being used to train MMA students, the vessel is designed to help with federal humanitarian efforts. Senator Collins, the godmother of the "State of Maine," is considered the ship's guardian and protector, ...