July 11, 1978
Page 20211
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I want to express my support for the continued authorization of guided missile frigates of the FFG–7 class, and to thank my distinguished colleague from Mississippi for his continued support for these naval vessels.
The eight frigates authorized in this bill, at a cost of $1.5 billion, bring to 34 the total authorized by the Congress.
The FFG–7 will give the Navy operational flexibility at relatively modest cost, and I support it as a sound investment of our tax dollars. I had the privilege of attending the dedication ceremony in 1976 for the lead ship in the class, the Oliver Hazard Perry, at Bath Iron Works in my home State of Maine. I understand that the sea trials are going well and that the FFG is fulfilling the Navy's hopes for it. I also understand that work is proceeding on schedule, and without cost overruns, on the second frigate.
So I am in the happy position of supporting the FFG–7, because it is good for our national defense, because it is meeting both our cost and our performance expectations, and because it means jobs for Maine.
I thank the committee for its continued support, for this vital program. I look forward to the continued support of the committee and the Congress as additional authorizations for outyear construction ships are considered.