Hawaii Congressional Delegation Welcomes Decision to Spare Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard from Closure or Realignment

JOINT HAWAII DELEGATION NEWS RELEASE July 19, 2005

HAWAII CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WELCOMES
DECISION TO SPARE PEARL HARBOR NAVAL SHIPYARD
FROM CLOSURE OR REALIGNMENT

Washington, D.C. - The Hawaii Congressional Delegation today welcomed the decision by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission to not add the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to the Pentagon's list of facilities recommended for closure or realignment.

"We are pleased that the merits of our case in support of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard have been heard, and accepted by the Commission," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, the Senior Member of the Delegation. "We made the case that this shipyard is a critical piece of defense infrastructure in the Pacific. We explained how the Pacific Fleet is dependent on a full-service shipyard in Hawaii to repair and maintain the Pacific Fleet.

"Perhaps most persuasive was the message of the overwhelming strategic importance of the shipyard. In our discussions with the Commissioners, we were able to demonstrate that the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard provides a huge boost to our military capability in the Asia-Pacific region. Without this capability, the fleet would simply fall far short in its mission of maintaining a stable environment in the Pacific.

"We are grateful that Commissioners were receptive to hearing our views, and that they kept an open mind. We thank them for their vote in support of Pearl Harbor and our nation's security. We also thank all the many friends of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for their assistance."

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka added: "I am pleased that the BRAC Commissioners realized that further review of the decision by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to not realign or close the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in light of its strategic importance is the correct decision. As we continue to fight the war on global terror, we must ensure that our military, and, more importantly at this time, our fleet is provided the support it needs to meet the challenges we face now and in the future."

U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie commented: "I'm very pleased the Commission sees the strategic value of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. This outcome reflects a lot of hard work by folks in the community, the Department of Defense, and our Hawaii Congressional Delegation."

U.S. Representative Ed Case said: "The Commission has clearly recognized the incredible and growing value of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to our country's defense. Its decision is a testament not only to Hawaii's strategic position in this Asia-Pacific century, but to the generations of workers whose pride and professionalism have kept our Navy strong worldwide, as well as to the aloha that our community has continued to extend to our nation's armed forces and their families. Going forward, we must not just continue but step up our efforts to support and enhance our military partner's efforts throughout Hawaii as we address the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

"http://wwwc.house.gov/case/press_releases/2005/2005-44.html