New Jersey (July 22, 2015) – What do Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra and U.S. Navy aircraft carriers all have in common? They all have significant New Jersey roots.
“Although New Jersey is not what typically comes to mind when you think of an aircraft carrier, every carrier in the Navy fleet has roots in our state,” says Michael Leahan of Marotta Controls, which provides valves and controls for the ships. “New Jersey has many of the unique talents and technologies needed for the construction of this critical ship.”
Thirty-nine New Jersey companies contribute parts and products for the construction of the most powerful ships on the sea – aircraft carriers. New Jersey companies are an important part of the aircraft carrier industrial base – the community of small, medium and large businesses that build and maintain these ships. The United States’ ability to sustain a powerful fleet of aircraft carriers ready to respond in times of crisis depends on this robust and skilled industrial base.
“The skilled work being done at facilities here in New Jersey for the construction and maintenance of aircraft carriers directly contributes to the prominence and strength of our Navy,” stated Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09) during his recent visit to Marine Electric Systems in South Hackensack. “Funding for Navy shipbuilding is critical to our economic growth, to local jobs in New Jersey, and to maintaining a robust national security.”
Both Marotta Controls and Marine Electric Systems have been providing parts for the Navy for more than 70 years, and currently supply parts for the construction of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first ship in the new carrier class and the largest, most powerful and technologically advanced ship ever built.
“With ships now sailing for over 50 years, we are spending time training the next generation of workers so they can continue to support our legacy products,” says Harry Epstein, CEO of Marine Electric Systems. “We take pride in knowing that our work helps strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and our country overall.”
Expressing his support for aircraft carriers, Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ-03) stated, “I recognize the carrier’s irreplaceable ability to demonstrate American power and strength around the globe.”
Congressman MacArthur, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ-07) recently wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter stating their strong support for maintaining a U.S. Navy Fleet of at least 11 aircraft carriers.
Aircraft carriers are the most essential platform in providing national security and humanitarian aid. The ships serve as a symbol of American diplomacy. But in New Jersey it means more.
“A strong carrier fleet is not only a critical asset for our United States military, but its construction supports a vibrant and high-skilled defense industrial base and businesses right here in New Jersey,” concludes Congressman Lance.
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CONTACT:
Steve Bassermann
202.585.2149
[email protected]
http://acibc.org/