Submarine manufacturing program unveiled by Whitmer and national leaders

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other national leaders on Monday announced two projects in partnership with the U.S. Navy in Lansing and Macomb County, a collaboration supporters said would strengthen both the manufacturing industry in Michigan and federal defense capabilities.

“As I talk with those who employ workers in many states, they often observe that Michiganders work hard, and we take pride in our work, and that is true,” Whitmer said. “I’m glad that the Department of Defense has seen this and agreed that this is a great place to make this kind of investment.

“They bet on Michigan because we are a good bet.”

The Biden administration invested over $50 million to train and recruit a workforce in Michigan interested in manufacturing submarines for the U.S. military.

The plan was announced Monday in Warren by Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, Macomb Community College President Jim Sawyer, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy Laura Taylor-Kale and Assistant Labor Secretary-VETS James Rodriguez.

Peters said national investment in submarine manufacturing and research is important to national security, as it could dissuade adversaries from attacking the U.S.

“As we look at threats around the world and increasing threats from one adversary in particular, we have to have a strong and vibrant Navy to project power,” Peters said.

State Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Twp.) said in a statement Monday that he was proud to be at the event with Del Toro, but he did not mention Whitmer or Peters.

“Michigan is already the leader in advance (sic) manufacturing in the U.S. It only makes sense that we join with the U.S. Navy in this important defense manufacturing initiative,” said Wozniak. “Given the concerning rise in global threats, I’m proud that Michigan will play a large role in ensuring our Navy has the talent and resources it needs to produce future maritime defense systems. It is an honor for Michigan to play this important role in ensuring our nation remains safe and strong.”

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a Lansing event announcing that a future expeditionary fast transport ship will be named “USS Lansing,” July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Warren, July 22, 2024 | Lucy Valeski

Earlier that morning, Whitmer, Del Toro and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor announced the U.S. Navy will name a ship after the Michigan capitol city. Whitmer will serve as a sponsor and honorary crew member of the boat.

Del Toro said this will be the first time a Navy ship is named for Lansing.

“I don’t know for sure why there hasn’t been a ship named after the city,” Del Toro said. “I do know, however, that this city is a testament to the monument to American ingenuity and our democratic ideals.”

Later on in the day, Macomb Community College hosted Whitmer and other national leaders to announce an over $50 million workforce development investment.

The funding will go to training students in maritime welding and machining at community colleges in Michigan and recruiting K-12 school children and veterans into maritime and manufacturing careers, according to a release from Whitmer.

“This massive partnership between federal, state and local leaders while help Michigan build a workforce to lead the future of defense manufacturing. In short, it will help us get ship done,” Whitmer joked.

The investment could be particularly useful in Michigan, as the Legislature recently passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget , which included free community college for recent high school graduates, as long as they attend the college in their district.

Speakers identified Michigan’s history in manufacturing, particularly during war time, to support the workforce development investment in the state.

“The manufacturing industry of Michigan did not just contribute to the war efforts,” Del Toro said. “In fact, defined the war efforts, defined everything that is great about our country.”

Whitmer said the partnership between the national, state and local governments sends a message to industry and potential workforce members to come to Michigan because “we are experts at making stuff.”

Whitmer’s administration has partnered with state and local agencies and organizations to utilize the federal funding.

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