Citing the 1995 DOD decision to close Navy Lakehurst and four other rounds of BRAC over the last fifteen years, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Hamilton), called today’s BRAC announcement “another big win” for Navy Lakehurst and Ocean County. 

    “In 1995, this base was listed as a goner,” said Smith who established the Save Navy Lakehurst Committee in 1995. “We did what they said was impossible. We persuaded 7 of the 8 BRAC commissioners to reverse the DOD’s recommendation to close Lakehurst."

    “We not only reversed the decision in 1995, but we have grown the base, brought new federal resources and missions here and protected Navy Lakehurst from ‘closure scenarios’ of the future,” Smith added. 

    “Working with the base leadership, and the Friends of Navy Lakehurst, I have been able to steer tens of millions in federal funding for new missions such as the Superlab, Aviation Shipboard technology, and EMALS. Beyond the new monies and projects, we have also aggressively pursued new ideas and approaches, like the joint base command with McGuire and Fort Dix. These innovative ideas have assured continued growth for all three in the future," Smith said. 

    He added, “After today’s announcement, Navy Lakehurst will continue to be Ocean County’s largest employer with more than 3500 personnel and a total economic impact of $327 million per year for the State of New Jersey."

    Smith said he will work hard with Navy leaders and the command of the joint facility to find alternative jobs within the new McGuire-Ft. Dix-Lakehurst for the 54 civilians whose functions are slated to be transferred. 

    “The joint-command will be the largest facility in the Northeast and it will be ready to accommodate more missions and projects and employ more of New Jersey’s excellent workforce,” Smith said. 

    “We already have several new missions in the pipeline,” Smith added. “The President has endorsed our proposal for a $26 million logistic and training facility at Lakehurst for the National Guard through his FY 2006 Budget request. And the House panel which authorizes defense spending for FY 2006 has adopted my request for an additional $6.5 million for modernization of the aircraft launch and recovery program here.” 

    With regard to the proposal to close Ft. Monmouth (just outside Smith's district), the congressman said he was "deeply concerned" and would work with others to reverse the "closure scenario".

    "I am deeply concerned for every person who is at risk of losing his or her job," Smith said.

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Programs Funds that Have Been Secured by Smith at Lakehurst since last BRAC Round

(Partial Listing)

Funds Project Fiscal Year

$ 13.70 M API "Superlab" FY 2000

$ 5.20 M New Fire House FY 2001

(currently being built)

$ 7.75 M Aviation Shipboard Information FY 2002, 2003, 2004

Technology Initiative (AS/ITI)

$ 20.60 M Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch FY 2004

System (EMALS) land‑based site

$ 2.25 M Army Recruiting Battalion HQ FY 2004

building for Mid‑Atlantic region

$ 6.8 M Department of Justice (DoJ) FY 2003 funds

aviation hangar (project to be build

in calendar year 2005)

CUMULATIVE FUNDS APPROPRIATED: $56.3 million

Additional Programs Clearing Initial Phases for Lakehurst Smith has Spearheaded

*$26 M Consolidated Logistics and Training FY 2006

Facility (CLTF) for the Army National

Guard (ARNG) at western edge of

Lakehurst

**$6.5 M Aircraft Carrier Launch & Recovery FY 2006

(ALRE)/Support Equipment (SE) Modernization

TOTAL FUNDS APPROPRIATED OR CLEARING INITIAL PHASES: $88.8 Million

* Rep. Smith worked to secure the CLTF at Lakehurst in the President's Budget Request for FY 2006.

**Rep. Smith helped secure the ALRE/SE in HR 1815, "The Department of Defense Authorization Bill" under consideration for FY 2006.