NEWPORT, RI - In an effort to strengthen Rhode Island's economy and improve the Navy's supply management and combat support capabilities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today helped break ground at the site of the Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) at Naval Station Newport. This new facility, which is currently based in Athens, Georgia, will bring thousands of students and hundreds of new military and civilian jobs to Rhode Island.

The Navy Supply Corps School provides newly commissioned Navy Supply officers training in leadership, supply management, disbursing, and food services as well as advanced training in logistics, HAZMAT management, and contracting. With the motto "Ready for Sea" and a history that dates back to the 18th century, the Supply Corps is one of the oldest staff corps in the U.S. Navy.

"Two hundred and thirteen years ago, the Naval Supply Corps was created to service our nation's fledgling naval force of six frigates. Throughout every major engagement since then, both hostile and humanitarian, the Naval Supply Corps has ensured that the United States Navy has been able to conduct sustained operations - on land, air, or sea -- in any area of the world," said Reed, a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, which oversee federal funding for the Department of the Navy's programs. "I am proud that Rhode Island was chosen as the site for the Navy Supply Corps School. Opening this new school clearly establishes Naval Station Newport as the premier training facility for the next generation of naval officers."

In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), at the urging of Senator Reed and others, selected Rhode Island as the new site for the Navy Supply Corps School, which is currently located in Athens, Georgia. In November 2007, the U.S. Navy awarded H.V. Collins Co. of Providence a $24.5 million construction contract to build the facility, which is expected to be completed in 2010.

"Each year, about 9,500 students pass through Naval Station Newport for training at one of the many schools on the base. Following the opening of these new facilities, that number will grow to about 16,000," noted Reed. "The flexibility and capability to maintain the Navy's high operational tempo and readiness to rapidly project power with carrier strike groups is only possible through the logistical support of the Naval Supply Corps. This facility will provide the foundation of training that will be required in logistical support of the Navy for many years ahead."

This new facility will generate around 100 active duty staff positions and 80 civilian positions.

The Marine Corps Detachment (MARDET) will also be relocated as part of this project. MARDET provides initial accession information technology training to Marines and basic aviation supply officer training for Marine officers.

NSCS has an average annual throughput of 5,000 students and the MARDET has an average annual throughput of 300 students.