Connecticut congressmen express concern over Russian ship

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The Associated Press

GROTON, CT – MAY 13: The sign is seen at the front gate of the U.S. Naval Submarine Base May 13, 2005 in Groton, Connecticut. The Pentagon officials announced the possible closing of 33 major facilities, along with over 150 minor closures. Prominent bases recommended for closure on the list include the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, the Fort McPherson in Georgia, Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Naval Station Pascagoula in Mississippi and the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

HARTFORD, Conn. — Congressmen from Connecticut are expressing concern over reports of a Russian intelligence-collection ship traveling near a U.S. naval submarine base.

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney issued statements Wednesday condemning what they described as Russia’s increasing aggression.

A U.S. defense official said Tuesday the Russian ship has been operating in international waters off the U.S. East Coast. The official said it made a port call in Cuba previously and was monitored off Delaware’s coast. Courtney said the vessel was later spotted about 30 miles from the submarine base in Groton, Connecticut.

The U.S. Navy conducts similar intelligence-gathering operations against Russian military targets, such as its submarine bases, from international waters.

The Democratic congressmen are calling on Republican President Donald Trump to address Russia’s actions.

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The Associated Press