Garamendi, Mare Island Dry Dock Announce Historic Investment into Shipyard

VALLEJO, CA—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) hosted a press conference with Mare Island Dry Dock (MDD) and several local elected officials to announce a historic $13 million investment at Mare Island that will double its workforce and help the shipyard prepare to conduct ship repairs for the United States Navy.

Garamendi was joined by officials from Mare Island Dry Dock, Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown, Vallejo Mayor McConnell, Vallejo Vice Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga, Vallejo City Councilmember Pippin Dew, Vallejo City Councilmember Hakeem Brown, and Napa/Solano Central Labor Council Executive Director Jon Riley.

"As Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness I have direct jurisdiction over Naval ship repair issues," Garamendi said. "As a proud Representative of Solano County for over 12 years, I know how critically important Mare Island can be for our military readiness as well as the local economy. I will always fight to invest in Mare Island to create new good-paying jobs throughout the community.

"Today is a historic step towards realizing that goal," Garamendi continued. "This investment is being made to help the shipyard prepare for MIL-STD-1625D dock certification so Mare Island can conduct ship repairs for the Navy. The average salary for positions at Mare Island Dry Dock is over $100,000 per year and only requires a high school diploma or relevant work experience. Today symbolizes the beginning of a historic expansion of Mare Island that will bring thousands of new, good-paying jobs and a vital economic stimulus to local communities," Garamendi concluded.

A link to a video of the press conference can be viewed here.