Prepared to defend base

There is good reason to remain diligent, but no reason for panic.

Five years ago the region sidestepped an economic catastrophe when a federal commission overturned a Pentagon decision and voted to keep the Naval Submarine Base in Groton open.

It is frightening to imagine what condition the region's economy would be in today had the base closed. Two of the region's largest employers, its tribal casinos, have seen job losses. The housing market is still struggling, as are many small businesses.

Add to those woes a ghost-town base and eliminate the buying power of the sailors, other government personnel and civilians who work there (the base generates an estimated $3 billion for the state economy annually), and vacant storefronts and empty houses would be far more prominent.

Connecticut escaped that fate when the Base Closure and Realignment Commission, also known as BRAC, reversed the Pentagon's closing order. Known as Team Connecticut, political leaders of both parties, at all levels of government, worked with the business and military community to make the compelling case that closing the base would damage national security interests.

Now the Obama administration is sending signals about the need to get military spending under control, as well it should. Any serious attempt at slowing federal spending has to include the military.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has recommended eliminating the U.S. Joint Forces Command Center in Norfolk, Va. In all, he seeks $100 billion in savings, including likely base closings. That could lead to a new BRAC process to consider which bases to close.

When that happens, which at some point it will, Connecticut is in a stronger position to defend its base than in 2005. In an unprecedented move a year ago, the state agreed to invest $7.65 million in the federal base to enhance operations. Last week the state Bond Commission approved another $3.2 million. These actions demonstrate a level of commitment that the Pentagon, and some future commission, should not easily dismiss.

Combined with $85 million in federal money approved since 2007 for new military construction, the investments have enhanced the military value and modernized the base, countering reasons the Pentagon gave for seeking its closure five years ago.

The synergy with Electric Boat recognized by the 2005 panel will only become more apparent as EB ramps up the rate of submarine construction.

The job of Connecticut's leaders is to stay battle ready, and keep their powder dry.