John emphasizes the critical importance
of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) to our national defense
infrastructure at a “Rolling Rally” event in support
of PNS at Portsmouth’s Prescott Park in April 2005. |
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John and Paul O’Connor,
President of the Metal Trades Council at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,
cross the Memorial Bridge from Portsmouth to Kittery, ME as
part of the “Rolling Rally” in support of the Shipyard
in April 2005. |
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Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
On Wednesday, August 24, 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure
Commission (BRAC) voted to remove Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from
the Defense Department’s list of facilities slated for closure.
This success remains first and foremost the result of the incredible
record of accomplishment turned in by the dedicated workers of the
Shipyard.
That record formed the basis for an irrefutable
case as to why the Yard should remain open. For more than two years,
John was proud to join in this comprehensive effort to advocate
on behalf of the Shipyard through meetings, correspondence, hearings,
and rallies. A team including the Seacoast Shipyard Association,
Shipyard unions and employees, the local Chambers of Commerce, individual
community members, the New Hampshire and Maine governors and members
of the states’ Congressional delegations came together to fight
for Portsmouth and prove the Yard’s centuries-old tradition of excellence
will continue far into the future.
Ultimately, the case was undeniably clear, and John
could not agree more with BRAC Commission Chairman Anthony Principi,
who said, “I believe that Portsmouth is truly the preeminent public
shipyard in this nation. It is the gold standard by which we should
measure shipyards.” By removing Portsmouth from the Defense Department’s
list of facilities slated for closure, BRAC Commissioners confirmed
what we knew all along: that our country could not afford to lose
the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a part of its national defense
infrastructure.
Moving forward, John will continue to work closely with the members
of the New Hampshire and Maine Congressional delegations, the Navy
and the Department of Defense to make sure the best shipyard in
the world continues to enjoy a robust workload for years to come.
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