Posted on 05/13/2005 9:05:32 AM PDT by areafiftyone
Connecticut, New Jersey and New York stand to lose more than 15,000 jobs under the base closing recommendations announced by the Pentagon today.
Four Connecticut military bases, including the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton, are on the Pentagon's list of proposed base closures. Nearly all of the 8,600 jobs expected to be lost are from the Groton base. Connecticut officials say the base is crucial to the region because of its $2.5 billion effect on the economy.
In New Jersey, Fort Monmouth is among the bases the Defense Department wants to close. A total of 5300 hundred jobs would be eliminated.
New York fared best. Military facilities statewide would lose some 68 total military positions and nearly 1,000 civilian jobs, according to Department of Defense figures.
The United States Military Academy in West Point would gain 226 military and 38 civilian positions under the proposed changes.
Fort Drum, the state's largest active military post has been spared any major proposed cuts in the Pentagon's list of bases to be closed or realigned.
In Connecticut, the Pentagon also recommended closing Sgt. Libby U.S. Army Reserve Center in New Haven, Turner U.S. Army Reserve Center in Fairfield and the U.S. Army Reserve Center Maintenance Support Facility, Middletown. The Bradley International Airport Air Guard Station would be realigned.
The Naval Air Engineering Center at Lakehurst would lose 186 jobs and Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County would lose
In New Jersey, the Inspector/Instructor Center in Ewing, the Kilmer Army Reserve Center in Edison and the Brittin Army Reserve Center also are on the chopping block.
But Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township would gain 693 jobs, McGuire Air Force Base would gain 535 jobs, Fort Dix would gain 353 jobs and the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic County would increase by 269 jobs.
The majority of the nine-member commission appointed by President Bush to oversee the base closing process could overrule the recommendation. The state's congressional delegation is vowing to fight.
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, a Democrat, says it's irrational, irresponsible and unthinkable to close the sub base.
Second District Congressman Rob Simmons, a Republican, says this will be a bipartisan fights to reverse the plans to close the base.
The Groton base is homeport to 18 attack submarines and also home of the Naval Submarine School, three submarine squadrons staffs and other support facilities.
This is not the news we hoped for and worked so hard to avoid,” Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell said. “But it is one battle in a far longer campaign, and we are a long, long way from defeated. We have 31,500 reasons to keep on fighting, and fight we will.
“The BRAC Commission's decision is clearly misguided. The Groton sub base is too important to the U.S. Navy's overall mission to be slated for closure or realignment,” Rell added. "Nowhere else on the planet has the unique combination of fleet facilities, Electric Boat next door and the Submarine School campus. Nowhere else in the world has the dedicated men and women -- military and civilian alike -- who keep the fleet supplied, maintained, repaired and ready for service at a moment's notice.
"Connecticut and the U.S. Navy are inseparable -- when you think of submarines, you think of the Groton sub base, David Bushnell's 'Turtle' and the Nautilus. We will not allow that legacy to end now."
Monmouth County is booming because of its proximity to NYC and great lifestyle. Housing is still expensive. Of all the places to take a hit, I would think it was better equipped to recover than Niagara Falls or Rome or one of these extremely rural bases.
Monmouth County votes:
George W. Bush 55%
John F'n Kerry 44%
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.