Navy OKs plan to merge Bangor, Bremerton bases

[icymist]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001914405_basemerger28m.html

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Navy OKs plan to merge Bangor, Bremerton bases

By Ray Rivera
Seattle Times staff reporter

The Navy has approved a plan to merge its Bangor and Bremerton bases in June to cut costs and steer more money into the next generation of ships, aircraft and weapons systems.

Pending final notification to Congress, the two bases will become Naval Base Kitsap, the Navy said this week.

"This merger allows us to cut back on management overhead and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Rear Adm. Len Hering, commander of Navy Region Northwest. "These savings Navy-wide will help us to fund a 21st century with the capabilities necessary to counter the continuously changing threats we face around the world."

The move is part of a long-range plan by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark to shift some $40 billion from current programs toward building a more agile, technologically advanced force.

(more)

[RobertSeattle]

1. It basically just combining two headquarters into one

Reducing the # of bureacrats and scrambled egg hats.

[Sinistrous]

2. But this will wipe out so many of those coveted stateside rotation slots..

Blech!

[progressivebydesign]

3. I guess after that nuclear warhead oopsie, they're tightening it up,

I have a feeling this has more to do with the decertification and the round of job losses for those involved at Bangor, more than anything. You just can't play oopsie with nuclear weapons like that.. I think they're probably trying to rein Bangor in under stronger command. I live down the road a bit from both places... I'd like to think they're getting a better handle on that nuclear handling stuff..

[hang a left]

4. Well this is a new concept.

"This merger allows us to cut back on management overhead and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars,"


I am of the feeling you have to look at these types of press releases and say what are they hiding and/or justifying.