Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - Following a meeting on Tuesday with the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, Congressman Rob Wittman announced the increased role of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren in the Nation's defense from missile attacks. Admiral Roughead assured Wittman of the additional responsibilities, which will come with greater opportunities for employment and enhanced educational partnerships in Dahlgren, VA.

The announcement comes at the heels of the President's recent decision to eliminate the proposed European missile defense shield. Under the administration's proposed plan, Aegis ships with interceptors would become the first stage in the Nation's missile defense plan.  Aegis, developed at Dahlgren, is a shipboard weapons system that uses the latest radar technology to detect and engage targets.

"The Air and Missile Defense Command in Dahlgren will continue to take on increasingly important strategic roles for our Nation's security.  The Navy Command at Dahlgren will enhance the Navy's ability to deliver an enduring, operationally effective, and supportable ballistic missile defense capability for the United States", said Wittman.

The Navy's newest Air and Missile Defense Command at Dahlgren serves as the Navy's lead organization and Center of Excellence for addressing Naval, Joint, and Combined Air and Missile Defense concerns with an initial focus on Ballistic Missile Defense. As the command expands through 2012 and beyond, its charter will include the entirety of Navy Integrated Air and Missile Defense.

The Navy also announced this week that it remains committed to building 55 Littoral Combat Ships, although they will use a revised acquisition strategy to increase competition among shipbuilders.

"This is good news for both the Navy and for Dahlgren. Particularly, since the Naval Surface Warfare Center Lab at Dahlgren is instrumental in developing the interchangeable modules that are used on the Littoral Combat Ship to provide unique war-fighting capabilities", added Wittman.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.