Hawai'i carrier decision not expected for a while
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye said any announcement of an aircraft carrier for Hawai'i likely would not be made until 2004 at the earliest, as officials work out the basing of an air wing here.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
"Most of us would like to see the air wing stationed at Barbers Point — it's the closest and most convenient for the carrier itself," Inouye said yesterday.
"There's a reluctance on the part of Washington to reopen closed bases," Sen. Dan Inouye said.
But the former naval air station, now called Kalaeloa, was closed in 1999, and "there's a reluctance on the part of Washington to re-open closed bases."
"I believe once we resolve this — do they (the aircraft) go to Hickam (Air Force Base), do they go to Kane'ohe, or to Barbers Point? — it will be done," Inouye, D-Hawai'i, said.
Hawai'i's senior senator said a carrier strike group, including support ships, would bring 20,000 military members to Hawai'i including family members.
A carrier crew numbers about 3,200, and with an air wing of 70 to 80 aircraft, a carrier's work force increases to about 5,500.
Inouye didn't confirm an aircraft carrier is a certainty for Pearl Harbor. "I'm not a betting man," he said.
"But I'd give you (good) odds."
Inouye made the comments before a ceremony recognizing 114 individuals graduating from the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility apprenticeship program.
The apprenticeship program has tracked a military presence in the Islands that dropped following the end of the Cold War but is back on the upswing with nuclear submarine refueling and additions, such as an aircraft carrier being considered.
There were 25,000 shipyard workers during World War II. In 1989, the number of ship maintenance personnel stood at 7,906. But by 1999, the total of sailors and civilians in the work force had dropped to a low of about 3,900.
Because there were not enough jobs to support the apprenticeship program, it was canceled between 1994 and 1999.
Inouye told the crowd of new journeymen and their families yesterday at the Pearl Harbor ceremony that some called for the shipyard to be closed.
But a change in world events has resulted in U.S. leaders reviewing force structures worldwide.
"One thing becoming quite clear is the Defense Department will increase its forces in the Pacific," Inouye said. "There's a growing awareness the Asia-Pacific region represents the future."
Asia could become a breeding ground for terrorism and nuclear proliferation, and "for that reason, it's very clear the Navy is staying here in Hawai'i," Inouye said.
There are 4,700 shipyard workers, and with the nuclear refueling of the submarines Buffalo and Bremerton, and the possibility of additional ships and more work at Pearl Harbor, officials say the shipyard will be busy.
Jason Holm, a shipyard spokesman, said the new graduating class represents the first big turnout from the four-year program — a partnership with Honolulu Community College — since it was reinstated in 1999.
The apprentices are paid $16 an hour in their first year, $24 an hour after four years, and can make $50 to $60 an hour as managers, shipyard officials said.
Kimo S. Ellefson, 29, a rigger who moves heavy machinery, said graduation "is a big load off my shoulders because before this, I was going to college and I got in here and it was like a real load on. Now it's been lifted and I can do my job like I was trained."
The Nanakuli man, who received the "Outstanding Rigger" award, said he was attending school during the day and working at night.
Deserie Watson-Kaluhiokalani, 39, of Kapolei, will work as a crane mechanic in the shipyard.
"I know we can fulfill the legacy that's behind this shipyard," she said. "We had excellent trainers and instructors."
Inouye told reporters he had talked with Adm. Tom Fargo, head of Pacific Command, on Thursday about the carrier and air-wing basing — a key factor in Hawai'i getting a carrier strike group.
The Navy in 1999 rejected Hawai'i as a possible site for a carrier because an air wing was contemplated on the West Coast.
Inouye also spoke about returning to office next year after a National Review story said he would retire and support a run for U.S. Senate by former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki, who is from Kaua'i.
"I've already decided to seek re-election next year, so you'll see more of me," Inouye said. But he added he hopes Shinseki will be interested in seeking office at some point because he would make a good legislator or governor.
Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.
