Baldwin Visits Sturgeon Bay for Coast Guard and Maritime Listening Sessions

Sturgeon Bay, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin traveled to Sturgeon Bay to meet with local U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) members and tour facilities, as well as to tour Fincantieri Bay shipbuilding and conduct listening sessions with maritime industry representatives.

First, Baldwin met with a USCG unit to discuss the unique challenges that units experience, such as access to affordable childcare and a shortage of options for Coast Guard members and families. Additionally, they talked about the Coast Guard’s critical ice breaking mission on the Great Lakes and the need for an additional Great Lakes Icebreaker. 

“Our United States Coast Guard Members protect and secure our Great Lakes and help us keep the maritime economy moving,” said Senator Baldwin. “Hearing their perspectives on housing and childcare issues, and in particular how it affects our service members, is critical for informing my policymaking decisions. I am grateful for the insight Vice Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan and USCG members shared with me and plan to take these concerns back to my colleagues in Washington, D.C.”

Following her tour of Station Sturgeon Bay, Baldwin traveled to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to meet with industry leaders and hear about the importance of Great Lakes ice breaking and how Lake Carriers have adapted their operations because of COVID-19.

 “Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is an industry leader in the construction, repair and conversion of USCG and commercial vessels, and we are lucky to have them here in Sturgeon Bay,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am glad to partner with them on the maritime issues facing the Great Lakes and will continue to advocate for strong Buy America policies to support the domestic shipbuilding industrial base.”

“We enjoy showing our elected officials our talented team and world-class facilities,” said Dario Deste, President and CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “Having Senator Baldwin here is also a great reminder to our shipyard teammates that the work they do each day is critical to the U.S. maritime industry as well as commerce beyond the Great Lakes.”

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