Fighting for the Submarine Capital of the World

Eastern Connecticut has a proud history of supporting our submarine force and building the most advanced submarines in the world.   Thousands of jobs at Electric Boat and across the region rely on the future of submarine production and the fate of Submarine Base New London.

That is why Joe Courtney has fought to double submarine production and win support for new work at Electric Boat that has allowed the company to hire hundreds of new engineers and expand into New London.  And, he’s worked to secure over $80 million to invest in the future of the submarine base.

Joe’s Record of Fighting for the Submarine Capital of the World:

• Won Critical Support for Building Two Submarines a Year. When Joe took office, Electric Boat was only building one Virginia-class submarine a year — a policy that led to hundreds of layoffs and left the future of the yard, and the countless small and medium-sized businesses that rely on it in doubt.   In his first year in Congress, Joe secured nearly $600 million to begin building two submarines a year in 2011 – a year earlier than the Navy planned at the time.  Today, thanks to Joe’s work, Electric Boat is preparing to building two subs next year – the first time that has happened since the 1980’s.

“U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, played a vital role in fighting for the funding. During the 2006 campaign, Rep. Courtney’s opponent tried to make the case that the Democrat, if elected, would not have the political chops to protect the state’s submarine industry. He has proved that argument was wrong.” New London Day, 7/27/07

“Courtney understands the importance of the region’s military infrastructure. From his position on the Armed Services Committee, he obtained the necessary funding to increase submarine production at Electric Boat, thus preserving critical manufacturing jobs in Eastern Connecticut.”  Norwich Bulletin, 11/2/08

Click here to read more about Joe’s work to increase submarine production.

• Increased Submarine Design and Engineering Jobs. When Joe got to Congress, Electric Boat was not designing the next generation of submarine – the first time that our region’s talented submarine designers and engineers was not actively working on a new sub in over 50 years.  Joe got right to work – securing over $8 million in “seed” money to get EB working on the initial concept studies for the replacement of our fleet of Ohio-Class submarines in his first term.  In his second term, he has helped secure almost $500 million to begin work on the Ohio-class replacement – an achievement that allowed Electric Boat to start hiring over 600 new engineers and move into the Pfizer building in New London to make room for their increased workforce.

“The credit for these new, high-paying jobs belongs to U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn.  In 2008, Courtney and Lieberman, both members of their respective chambers’ Armed Services Committee, secured $8.2 million to provide the initial seed money for the design of the next generation of Ohio-class SSBN submarines, the Navy’s Trident subs. The next year, 2009, Courtney and Lieberman secured the $495 million for expanded research, development and conceptual studies of the program — thus creating the need for Electric Boat to expand its engineering and design department.”  Norwich Bulletin, 6/26/2010.

“This is a major league home run for the city of New London, Pfizer, Electric Boat and the entire region,” Tony Sheridan, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.”  “Local businesses in need of boost are ‘tickled pink’ by EB’s decision,” New London Day, 6/22/10

• Investing in the Future of Submarine Base New London. Our submarine base is a critical part not only of our nation’s defense, but of our region’s rich maritime tradition.  While there is no threat to close the base today, we must remain vigilant and continue to ensure that the base remains prepared to accomplish its most important mission – the training and support of our submarine force.  That’s why Joe Courtney has worked tirelessly to build support for new construction projects that improve the base’s infrastructure and increase it’s value to the military.  Since 2007, he’s brought over $80 million to the base which is being used to build a new training center, replace a key waterfront pier, provide an all-year all-weather firing range for small arms training and improve the waterfront operations center.

“I would put my money on U.S. Rep. Courtney to best help save the base, if that day should come.” Rick Green, Hartford Courant, 8/27/10

“Concerns that the Pentagon could again look at closing the base as a cost-cutting move are at this point highly speculative…Connecticut needs to be on watch for the possibility that Mr. Gates might try to close the base under his own authority, a move that would need congressional approval but would bypass the review process that saved the Groton base the last time. But the base is not in imminent danger.” New London Day, 8/31/10