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Dear Friend,
Today, alongside the United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, we announced the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative, a bold new partnership to make our state a national leader in shipbuilding and defense manufacturing.?
As governor, I have worked across the aisle to support Michigan?s strong defense industry. The M3 Initiative will build on our progress to help us make the next generation of ships and submarines right here in Michigan, protecting our national security while creating and supporting thousands of good-paying, high-skill jobs.
There is no better place to bring the shipbuilding supply chain than Michigan. In addition to our state?s rich maritime heritage, Michiganders assembled the arsenal of democracy during WWII, churning out jeeps, tanks, and warplanes to help the Allies win.
Together, we will continue that proud legacy while growing our economy.
Job Opportunities in the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative
This massive partnership between federal, state, and local leaders will help Michigan build a workforce to lead the future of defense manufacturing. We?ll need thousands of new workers and jobs across the state to make this happen so we are implementing programs to help fast-track our goals.
Specifically, the M3 Initiative will train workers to build submarines, focusing on maritime welding, machining, and other skills at local community colleges. In addition to more than $10M of investments into needed infrastructure, programs, and advanced manufacturing technology, this partnership will make investments to build pathways for students to get an education in STEM and manufacturing, connecting K-12 students with hands-on career and technical education so they can explore careers in this space.?
The growth of maritime careers across Michigan?s defense sector also provides opportunities for veterans to serve their country in a new way. The M3 Initiative will add 2,500 new veteran careers each year and represent the highest labor force growth in the United States.
 Michigan?s community colleges will play a critical role in providing highly advanced and technical training to address the Navy?s manufacturing supplier chain talent needs. Macomb and Oakland Community College are collaborating with M3 to develop specialized training programs that equip our workforce with the skills needed to excel in maritime manufacturing, including a pre-apprenticeship program where learners will be on an accelerated certification path for in-demand skills.? ????
This project is part of the Biden-Harris administration?s vision to rebuild and reimagine American manufacturing, helping bring jobs to Michigan.? As M3 takes root to train the next generation of workers, it will send a message to manufacturers across the nation?come to Michigan!
Together, we are building the future of the U.S. Navy and giving our nation the ability to compete against foreign competitors.?
For more information about the M3 Initiative and how to get involved, click here.?
Introducing the USS Lansing
I am proud to announce that Lansing will soon have a United States Navy ship named after it?the first one ever. And I?m honored that Secretary Del Toro has named me as its sponsor!
Lansing is a diverse, inclusive city where people from all around the world have come to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones. The USS Lansing is a testament to the spirit of determination, resilience, and growth that embodies Lansing and the state of Michigan. And best of all, it's on the rise.
The ship is currently being assembled in Alabama, but I hope it can be back here in Michigan for its formal commissioning ceremony.
I must admit that I love Lansing and I am proud to be a Lanstronaut! My relationship with this area spans my entire life. My dad served in a Republican governor's cabinet and at the same time, my mom was an attorney in the Democratic attorney general's office. They passed on so much of what they learned here in Lansing to me?advice that has helped me throughout my life and career. I graduated from MSU twice for undergrad and later, for law school, before starting my career in the Michigan legislature and later as the Ingham County Prosecutor. And as governor, I?ve been lucky to live here. Lansing is a wonderful place and will always be a home for my entire family.
I look forward to USS Lansing formally hitting the water for the first time.
It?s an exciting time in Michigan.
Our economy is growing, unemployment is low, and small business growth is high. There are projects underway everywhere to build new housing, revitalize communities, and help more people ?make it? in Michigan. Together, we can lead the future of innovation in mobility, electrification, clean energy, defense, and countless other industries.
Let?s continue this momentum of growth, lower costs for Michiganders, and build a brighter future for our state.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
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