THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
(RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION)
1000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-1000

 

March 19, 2020

Mr. Dirk Lesko

President

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
700 Washington Street

Bath, ME 04530

Dear Mr. Lesko,

During this time of national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would like to
emphasize the importance of employee health and safety as well reemphasize the importance of
the ship construction and repair efforts you and your suppliers perform to the national
defense. Delivering or redelivering our ships to the ?eet is a national need that is unwavering
and crucial to our national security.

Given the mission essential functions you perform, while ensuring the safety and well-
being of the workforce, I cannot stress enough the importance of accomplishing this mission, and
notifying the Government of any impediments that are considered likely to interfere with timely
accomplishment of this mission. This is in accordance with the President?s Coronavirus
Guidelines and the Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-21 ?Critical Infrastructure Security and
Resilience,? which defines critical infrastructure industry to include the Defense Industrial Base.

Secretary Modly, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Commandant of the Marine Corps
(CMC), and I understand that this national emergency presents a challenge and we are dedicated
to working closely with you to ensure the safety of the workforce and the national security
mission.

Sincerely,