KITTERY (AP) – Sen. Olympia Snowe used the visit of one of the Navy’s commanding admirals to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Monday to demonstrate the importance and efficiency of the yard in the face of impending military cuts.

“The shipyard has proven time and again that a standard of true excellence for every project can be achieved with fewer dollars in fewer days,” Snowe said in a statement following a visit by Admiral James Fallon, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces, which oversees much of the nation’s naval military assets.

The shipyard is considered one of many potential targets in the next round of military base closings that the Pentagon is expected to announce next year.

But federal lawmakers have stressed a need to keep the shipyard open because of its unobstructed access to open ocean, its secure location, and ability to accommodate more duties.

Lawmakers have also stressed to the Defense Department the significant economic impact the shipyard has on more than 38 communities.

The base employs about 4,600 civilians and has an annual payroll of nearly $300 million.

Hoping to allay any suspicions that Fallon’s visit was an indication of what military officials will recommend when the Base Realignment and Closure Process begins next year, a spokesman for fleet command stressed the visit was routine.

“Admiral Fallon has a very, very aggressive travel schedule to keep him current with everything that’s going on in the United States Navy,” said Cmdr. Kevin Aandahl.

The Pentagon is scheduled to recommend its fifth round of base closings next May, and the military services must send their list of suggested savings to Rumsfeld by the end of this year.

Defense officials have said that up to 25 percent of the country’s military base capacity could be cut.

AP-ES-11-22-04 1811EST