The Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach pumps more than $136 million to the area’s economy, according to results of a recently completed study announced Jan. 11.
“The study indicates that the installation contributes over $136 million to the area’s economy and supports over 2,000 jobs,” said Capt. Terry Auberry, the base’s commanding officer.
Based on the latest available data from Fiscal Year 2010, the study details annual economic benefits to the community including over $91 million in industrial output, $38 million in direct payroll expenditures, and nearly $6 million in local and state tax revenues.
The study finds that visiting personnel from Navy ships, reserve units, and a base recreational vehicle park alone generate well over $2 million in yearly income for local shops, restaurants, and transportation services.
“The community benefits of the base go beyond monetary support,” said Auberry.
“The base has protected one of the last vestiges of coastal open space in the region, some of which has since been turned into the only national wildlife refuge within a five-county area,” he said.
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach also supports civilian law enforcement training, from local police departments to federal agencies such as the FBI.
The base fire department, under a mutual aid agreement with Orange County, routinely responds to civilian emergencies off the installation.
The base was recently designated as winner of the 2012 Navy Installation Excellence Award for Small Installations, giving it bragging rights as the best small base in the U.S. Navy.
“I’m proud of the outstanding relationships we have with the surrounding community,” said Auberry.
“I have no doubt that the base will remain a source of lasting community partnerships and positive economic influence long into the future,” he said.
