Norwich Bulletin: House Panel OKs Buying 2 Subs a Year

Groton- Citing the Virginia class submarine program as "one of the few Navy shipbuilding programs that appear to be on track," the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Wednesday approved a measure to provide the funding to increase submarine production from one to two per year.

"That's the best news we've heard in a very long time," said Ken DelaCruz, president of the Metal Trades Council at Electric Boat, the umbrella union representing the shipyard's waterfront workers. "We've just been scraping by with one ship per year. There's been a lot of talk about increasing production. It's nice to see some progress being made."

The House 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill, which still needs full House approval, provides $588 million for the advance procurement of parts to begin construction of two boats per year. It's anticipated the actual construction could begin as early as fall 2009.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Jack Murtha, D-Pa., said Wednesday the rest of the funding to build the $2 billion sub will be included in next year's bill.

"I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be there for '09," Murtha said in a teleconference call Wednesday with Courtney.

"I would have liked to have seen it in 2008, but I think 2009 is doable," said retired Groton businessman Bud Fay, who has led a grassroots effort to lobby Congress on the issue.

EB and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia share the submarine building contract, alternating annually on the lead construction of each new sub. In the past, the Navy has resisted efforts to speed up the shipbuilding program. It has maintained the price would have to be lowered from $2.6 billion to $2 billion per submarine before two subs per year was feasible.

EB President John Casey believes that can be achieved with the increase in construction to two per year.

"The Appropriations Committee's vote is an important step forward in increasing submarine production to two per year and meeting the chief of naval operations' goal to reduce the price of the Virginia Class ships," Casey said Wednesday. "The Virginia Class submarines have proven to be exceptionally capable, and the Navy has said it needs more of them. This is good news for Electric Boat, the Navy and the nation."

EB job cuts

In recent years, EB has been forced to lay off or furlough workers because of a lack of work at the shipyard.

Courtney has led the effort this year in the House to expedite submarine construction, citing the potential threat to national security if that industrial base and the highly skilled work force were to continue to erode.

"The committee's strong support today is a testament to the skill and dedication of southeastern Connecticut's work force," Courtney said. "They have made enormous strides in streamlining the submarine construction process and delivering subs on time and on budget. The employees of Electric Boat have given our nation a shipbuilding program that we can all be proud of."

A good part of Courtney's success came from winning Murtha's support, which came when Murtha visited EB in April.

"I recognized that the Navy is falling far short of the modernization that it needed," Murtha said. "But the Navy didn't think it could afford it. I believe it's absolutely essential for the Navy and the nation."

In addition to Murtha's support, Courtney credited state and local community leaders.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has lobbied Congress to support increasing construction, applauded the committee's actions.

"These funds will enable us to maintain the technological advantage we currently enjoy -- an advantage which could be eroded if we fail to increase production to two submarines a year," Rell said Wednesday in a statement released by her office.

Maintaining jobs at EB is a critical component to the state's economy, particularly since high-paying manufacturing jobs have declined dramatically through the years, replaced with lower-paying service jobs.

"I don't know a lot about the defense aspect of it, but looking at it from an economic side, we need those jobs," said Barry Dobbs of Norwich.

"If it means more jobs, it's a good thing," said Jay Cholewa of Griswold. "EB is a big part of the local economy."

Senate biggest hurdle

The biggest hurdle yet to be faced will be achieving Senate approval. Although the Senate Armed Services Committee has authorized the construction increase, the Senate Appropriations Committee not begun work on its version of a defense spending bill.

"The funding included in the House version of the Defense Appropriations Bill is crucial to providing the best possible national defense," said U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn. "It will also allow the skilled workers at Electric Boat to ensure that Connecticut remains the 'submarine center of excellence' in the world. I applaud the work of Congressmen Courtney and the rest of the Connecticut delegation in the House, and I vow to continue to work with Sen. (Christopher J.) Dodd to make sure our colleagues on the Senate side remain committed to this effort."

Ray Hackett, Norwich Bulletin, July 26, 2007