Nassco Head Makes Case For Title Xi Loan Guarantee Program

摘要

During the christening ceremony Jan. 10 for Golden State, the first of a new class of 49,000-dwt U.S.-flag product carriers from General Dynamics Nassco, Fred Harris, the yard's president, made a strong pitch for aggressive investment in U.S. shipbuilding through Title XI loan guarantees. In an interview, Professional Mariner asked him to expand on his remarks.rnQ: What does the incoming administration need to know about shipbuilding?rnA: Throughout the history of mankind there has been a strong dependence upon sea power. It doesn't matter if you're a growing nation that's just developing; the Chinese are rapidly increasing their sea power. A strong sea power gives you a strong economy and more importantly the ability to support military efforts. My message to (President Barack) Obama would be that you must look to a strong Navy, and a strong commercial fleet to support that Navy, and the tremendous trade in cities andrnports in the United States.