There is hereby created a permanent committee on naval affairs, to consist of sixteen (16) members, six (6) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker, at least one of whom shall be a member of the house of representatives, and at least one of whom shall be a member of the general public; three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the lieutenant governor; two (2) of whom shall be members of the senate, not more than one from the same party, to be appointed by the president of the senate; one of whom shall be a member of the general public appointed by the governor; one of whom shall be the director of the commerce corporation, ex officio or his or her designee; and three (3) of whom shall be naval personnel, appointed by the senior naval officer permanently stationed in Rhode Island. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner as the original appointments. The members of the committee shall, without compensation, serve for two (2) years and until their successors are duly appointed.