Sen. Reed Key to $48 Million Guard Expansion
posted January 7, 2009 in Newsletters

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Electric Boat Projects 1,000 New Jobs At Quonset

Job Growth to Occur Through 2014

Electric Boat, one of the largest employers at the Quonset Business Park says the construction of the new Virginia-class sub and a new federal contract for planning, engineering and technical support of nuclear submarines will mean a stable and growing workforce over the next several years. Electric Boat President John P. Casey last week predicted "level" employment of 2,000 workers at Quonset next year, with a likely rise to more than 3,000 employees in the next five years, as annual submarine production jumps from one to two vessels. Additional trades workers, engineers and designers will be needed as EB ramps up to increase production to two submarines a year. The company, says it is already increasing its workforce in nearby Groton, Connecticut and is set to hire 650 skilled workers, the majority based at EB's Groton facility in late winter and early spring.

National Guard Invests $48 Million at Quonset

Creates New Construction Jobs, Brings in Federal Dollars

The Rhode Island National Guard broke ground on two major training facilities at Quonset, marking the latest in a series of modernization and expansion efforts over the last six years by the Air and Army National Guard.

In this new round of modernizations, the Army National Guard is replacing its World War II-era aviation facility, and the Air National Guard is building a new cyber-space focused training unit at Quonset. The combined federal investment totals $48 million.

The continued presence and investment in the Air and Army National Guard facilities at Quonset, particularly in recent years, stimulates the state's economy by providing benefits for several local companies. The National Guard as one of the state's largest employers is a continued source of federal funds for Rhode Island.

Both of the new projects are ideal fits for Quonset with its vast military history and new focus on technology driven job growth.

Wreaths Across America Makes a Stop at Quonset

Two 18 wheelers, filled with Christmas wreaths stopped at Quonset on their way to the Arlington National Cemetery where
the wreaths were laid on the graves of fallen soldiers.

The Wreaths Across America convoy, stopped for a special ceremony at the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park. The ceremony
honoring our nation's fallen heroes recognized the mission of the Wreaths Across America to "Remember ... Honor ... and
Teach."

Wreaths Across America was started by Morrill Worcester from the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington Maine and has
expanded since it began 15 years ago, with approximately 105,724 wreaths being laid in cemeteries across the country
this year alone.