The Navy will spend $120 million to build a parking garage in Newport News, as part of its plan to improve living conditions for sailors.
The Huntington Ingalls Industry shipyard came under intense scrutiny after a rash of suicides among sailors on board the USS George Washington. There were 11 deaths among the crew from the time the aircraft carrier entered the yard for its midlife refueling in 2017 and when it left the yard last year. The deaths highlighted the need to improve conditions for sailors assigned to the shipyard throughout the fleet, said Rear Adm. Casey Moton, the Navy’s Program Executive Officer, Aircraft Carriers
“The investigation highlighted, among other issues, that the infrastructure surrounding Huntington Ingalls Newport News shipyard was not sufficient to support the crews of multiple aircraft carriers and submarines in construction or overhaul,” Moton said. “As a team we needed to make improvements.”
Sailors complained of long travel times in and out of the shipyard. The parking garage will create 2,000 new spots, less than a half mile from the main gate. The garage will be split between sailors and shipyard workers.
“This action will directly support our sailors. And while there is more work to do, I am confident that we are on the right trajectory,” Moton said.
The Navy has also offered free Wi-Fi along the waterfront and revamped unaccompanied housing at Huntington Hall.
Without outlining a specific project, Navy and city officials confirmed there is a plan in the works to build additional housing in Newport News. Lawmakers secured $40 million in loans to help with the cost of expanding Navy housing in the city.
The new garage is set to come on line in 2026. It will include a total of 2,800 spots and will replace an 800 space parking lot already on the site of 39th Street and Highway 60 in Newport News.
