Pentagon bars retired admiral from testifying

[MaineDem]

BOSTON — The Defense Department prohibited a retired admiral from testifying Wednesday on behalf of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. But shipyard advocates persuaded members of the base-closing commission to question retired Rear Adm. William Klemm on their own, saying his testimony would be "devastating" to the Navy's case for closing the base.

Klemm had submitted his testimony for Pentagon review a month before the Base Realignment and Closure Commission hearing. Questions about the appropriateness of his testimony arose Wednesday morning because Klemm retired less than a year ago and speaking at the hearing would conflict with Navy policy, said Antonia Ferrier, a spokeswoman for Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine.

Klemm retired April 1 after 41 years in the Navy. For his final four years, he was director of logistics, maintenance and industrial operations, which was responsible for shipyard performance.

In his testimony, a copy of which was obtained by the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Klemm focused on competing demands for submarine maintenance that Portsmouth specializes in. He argued that maintenance on Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines would keep Portsmouth busy for decades.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/050707admiral.shtml

WOW

[northzax]

1. seems fair, actually

I believe that former military officers are enjoined from engaging in political activities directly related to their duties for a year or so, just like Senators can't lobby the senate for 12 months after leaving.

[mom cat]

2. I didn't think he was lobbying. I thought he wanted to testify.

[northzax]

4. that's using his name and recent office

to attempt to influence the military's position. same difference.

[MaineDem]

3. It's not like he's campaigning for a political office

He would be giving testimony regarding a subject he has first-hand knowledge of. He's already testified at least once.

[OneBlueSky]

5. maybe he's just someone who knows the value of PNSY . . .

and how absurd it would be to close the facility . . . not to mention the devastating impact it would have on Portsmouth, Kittery, and the surrounding areas . . .

[Supersedeas]

6. Upkeep is so overrated when have GE build news ones promotes cronyism