Meetings included updates on technology under development at Picatinny, status of the construction of the EOD facility, and impact on the local economy
Parsippany, NJ– Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) visited Picatinny Arsenal with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Doug Bush, a bipartisan group of local elected officials, and representatives from the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and County College of Morris. She invited the group of community leaders to join her for an update from General William M. Boruff, the Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments & Ammunition and Commanding General of the Arsenal, where they discussed Picatinny's critical work to strengthen our national defense as well as support the North Jersey economy.
Picatinny Arsenal is the largest employer in NJ-11, with more than 6,400 employees, and supports thousands of additional jobs across New Jersey. The Arsenal contributes an estimated $1.7 billion to the New Jersey economy. Rep. Sherrill is a fierce advocate for Picatinny, most recently securing funding in the 2022 Appropriations legislation as well as in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which will help to ensure the base remains the Army's leading research institution for armaments and ammunition.
wanted to bring this group of local leaders together for an update on Picatinny's critical work to bolster our national defense, as well as learn about the many ways the Arsenal supports our community and economy right here in NJ-11," said Rep. Sherrill. "It was exciting to hear how local engineering firms in towns like Rockaway and Denville contribute to the innovative work at Picatinny, see locally manufactured products like hand sewn parachutes being incorporated into new technologies, and meet representatives from local businesses in Pequannock and Wayne who are supporting the construction of the state of the art Explosive Ordnance Disposal Facility. As we begin the process for the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, I will continue my advocacy to ensure the base has the resources they need," Rep. Sherrill continued. "I want to thank Assistant Secretary Bush for his support of Picatinny and General Boruff for his leadership on the base."
Rep. Sherrill invited the following local officials to join her on the visit:
LD-25 State Senator Anthony Bucco
Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus
Jefferson Mayor Eric Wilsusen
Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson
Rockaway Borough Mayor Tom Mulligan
Dover Mayor Carolyn Blackman
Morris County Chamber President Meghan Hunscher
Morris County Chamber Vice President and Mount Arlington Mayor Mike Stanzilis
President of the County College of Morris Dr. Anthony J. Iacono
"It was great meeting with Brigadier General William Boruff, Team Picatinny, Congresswoman Sherrill, Assistant Secretary Bush and other local leaders to discuss the Arsenal's financial impact on our community and the state of the art technology they provide to our troops," said Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris). "As the top employer in Morris County and a key contributor to our national security, we're proud to have Picatinny Arsenal in our backyard."
"Each time I visit Picatinny Arsenal I come away impressed with just how important the base is to both our nation and our local economy," said Meghan Hunscher, president of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. "The development of next-generation weapons systems is essential to our national security and as one of the largest employers in the county that also supports countless local businesses, Picatinny is a vital economic driver for Morris County. We greatly appreciate Congresswoman Sherrill's ongoing support of the base."
"Picatinny Military Arsenal is an invaluable resource to Morris County, New Jersey, and beyond. County College of Morris has been strengthened many times through partnerships with Picatinny and looks forward to continuing our relationship. We appreciate Congresswoman Sherrill's advocacy and support in uniting our efforts. Her vision and exceptional leadership are highly beneficial to our organizations and the communities she represents," said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of the County College of Morris.
"The unique technical skills we see in operation at Picatinny are the very same skills we are providing students through our investments in a new Career Training Center for the Morris County Vocational School District and our expansions at the County College of Morris. We are building a skilled workforce not only to keep our economy strong, but also to provide for our nation's security," said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus.
"First, I would like to thank Rep. Sherrill for inviting us on this tour which emphasized for me the importance of Picatinny Arsenal and the work done here for our country. I also want to acknowledge the importance of the Arsenal to our local economy as well as the economy of Morris County. Rockaway Township has a longstanding relationship with the Arsenal emphasizing the fact that we have been good and cooperative neighbors for many years. As Mayor of Rockaway Township I look forward to the continuation of this relationship and the success of the Arsenal as a vital component of our national security," said Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson.
On Wednesday, March 23rd, the Town of Dover, Mayor Carolyn Blackman was honored to join Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, elected officials and other distinguished guests at Picatinny Arsenal. "It was an honor to be part of this event and tour the facility. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill on future endeavors," said Mayor Blackman.
Rep. Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. As a Russian policy officer, she worked on the implementation of our nuclear treaty obligations and oversaw the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Russian Federation Navy. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee, where she serves on the Tactical Air and Land Forces and Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittees.
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