The U.S. Navy is investing $30 million in the Alabama Community College System to expand maritime workforce training at four Alabama community colleges.
The funding will enable the colleges to expand their submarine manufacturing and shipbuilding training programs and assist the Navy in building one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines yearly.
The colleges are Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette, Reid State Community College in Evergreen and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Opp.
“This investment reflects our strength as THE workforce training provider for Alabama, and the confidence our federal partners place in our ability to deliver results,” said Jimmy Baker, ACCS chancellor. “We are expanding opportunity for Alabamians in every region while directly strengthening our contributions to the Maritime Industrial Base Program and our nation’s security.”
The Navy investment adds to an already thriving maritime industry in Alabama, said Gov. Kay Ivey.
“Alabama is rapidly advancing as a leader in diversified, high-tech manufacturing, serving as the U.S. base for global aerospace and maritime industries and powering major automotive and next-generation pharmaceutical production,” Ivey said. “The United States Navy’s investment of $30 million in the Alabama Community College System marks another milestone as our state expands cutting edge training in submarine and shipbuilding manufacturing. This is exciting news for Alabama workers as they build successful careers while also contributing to America’s defense.”
