06/26/2020- Dozens of dignitaries have walked the grounds at Marinette Marine over its nearly 80-year history, but Thursday marked a first for the shipyard. President Donald Trump visited Marinette and the naval ship builder to tour their manufacturing bays and speak to shipyard officials, employees, and community and business leaders from across the region. It was the first time a sitting president has ever made the trip to Marinette. Trump touted the new frigate contract worth up to $5.5-billion, which was recently awarded to Marinette Marine. Marinette Marine beat out four others to secure the contract, which Trump says will keep shipbuilders in Marinette busy for up to two decades building some of the Navy’s most technologically advanced and maneuverable warships.

Strengthening the defense industrial base has been a top priority for Trump and he says the work done at Marinette Marine over the next several years will play a direct role in his goal to build and sustain a 355-ship Navy.

Construction of the new frigates is expected to begin by April of 2022, with the first vessel to be delivered to the Navy by April of 2026.