TUPELO, Miss. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement on the planned acquisition of VT Halter Marine, Inc., and ST Engineering Halter Marine Offshore in Pascagoula, Miss., by Bollinger Shipyards:

“This is an exciting new chapter for shipbuilding in Mississippi. Bollinger Shipyards, and its leaders, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in domestic shipbuilding. This new partnership will help Mississippi’s talented shipbuilders continue to produce world-class ships for our nation, including the Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter.”