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U.S. Secretary of the Navy visits...

U.S. Secretary of the Navy visits Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, says the yard plays a key role in America’s maritime dominance

By: Frank Corder - January 26, 2022

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith, along with Congressman Palazzo, promote Mississippi’s workforce and push for commitment to shipbuilding from Biden Administration.

U.S. Secretary of Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding to tour the facility and hear directly from company and state leaders on the role the Pascagoula yard plays in defending America’s freedoms and providing significant economic benefit to not only the Coast economy, but Mississippi and the entire region.

Del Toro is no stranger to the Ingalls. He previously served in the U.S. Navy and was assigned the Pascagoula at one point in his career.

Joining Secretary Del Toro on his tour were Mississippi U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith as well as Congressman Steven Palazzo of the 4th Congressional District in South Mississippi.

Y’all Politics was on hand to speak with the officials following their tour of LPD 29. See what they had to say in the social media clips linked below:

Secretary Del Toro talks about his time at Ingalls earlier in his career

Secretary Del Toro talks about the role Ingalls plays in building America’s maritime dominance on the world stage is key.

Secretary Del Toro says we don’t know what’s in the mind of Russian President Putin but the Department of Defense and the Navy will be prepared to defend our U.S. ally Ukraine if called upon.

Congressman Palazzo, Senator Wicker and Senator Hyde-Smith say they believe there is a bipartisan agreement amongst their colleagues in Congress that providing for the nation’s defense is critical.

Senator Hyde-Smith, Senator Wicker and Congressman Palazzo say Ingalls in Pascagoula not only builds the ships that protect America’s freedom but they provide a huge economic benefit to the City of Pascagoula, Jackson County, the state of Mississippi and the entire region.

Senator Wicker says he hopes the Biden Administration and the Navy Secretary will listen to the admirals and generals who say America needs a minimum 355-ship Navy. Senator Hyde-Smith and Congressman Palazzo agree, saying we must maintain our maritime strength and presence around the world.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com