U.S. Sen. Mark Warner issued a statement this week, citing a speech in Virginia last week by U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, about “some encouraging news about the future of Virginia’s economy and our longstanding partnerships with the United States military.”

Panetta visited Virginia last week to speak with more than 500 business and community leaders at an event hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. As The Virginia Pilot reported, Warner said, the Pentagon chief explicitly stated that our shipyards and defense contractors will continue to be key players in our nation’s defense efforts. Acknowledging that the Pentagon must adjust and adapt now that we’re winding down two wars conducted over the past decade, Panetta said, “We will continue to invest in the unique capabilities and military and industrial facilities like those in Hampton Roads. The facilities help us protect the strongest military in the world,” Warner reported.