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Hesgeth speaks to BIW employees

“What you’re building here in Bath is essential to the arsenal of freedom,” Hegseth said Monday. “And nobody builds it better than you guys.”

Hegseth expressed support during Monday’s speech for BIW employees to receive more pay for what they do. Workers in the audience included those who clocked in early Monday morning and stayed to listen to Hegseth start around 2:30 p.m.

Rosaline Welsh, of Damariscotta, has been a regular protester during Trump’s time in office and was similarly critical of Hegseth’s visit.

“He is traveling around to promote Trump’s vessels that they are paying everyone to build and name after [him],” Welsh said, adding that she expects things “to get a lot worse before they get better.”

Democracy under assault

Jed James, who moved to Bath from Minneapolis more than a year ago, said he is horrified by the Trump administration.

“I think we are seeing democracy under assault right now,” he said.

James also said he supports BIW as a major employer in the area and doesn’t like to see it used in such a political way. 

“I came out to show our secretary of war support,” Blanchard said. “He’s here showing support to Bath, and the men and women that build these ships.”

Hesgeth has arrived at Bath Iron Works

About 400 people have lined the streets leading to the yard, some cheering for the defense secretary and others with signs protesting the administration.