New Haven, Conn.-based submarine builder Electric Boat announced that it would eliminate up to 2,400 jobs, or 20 percent of its 11,800 employees, by the end of next year, citing the declining size of the nation’s submarine fleet and the Navy’s decision to steer repair work to its own shipyards that survived the base closure process, the Boston Herald reports.
No decision has been made on the number of layoffs. Most jobs will be cut in Connecticut, but between 500 and 600 will be eliminated from the Rhode Island facility, according to the report.
Submarine advocates have been pressing the Navy to boost submarine production from about one to two ships a year. Current projections show the nation’s submarine fleet dwindling from the mid 50s to as low as the 30s.
Electric Boat recently received a letter saying the Navy would direct future submarine repair work to its own operated shipyards. The closest is in Kittery, Maine.
Source: The Boston Herald