Dunn asks Hegseth to visit Picatinny Arsenal, reconsider plan to restrcuture

by NewJerseyHills.com

State assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, is pushing back against the Pentagon’s proposed restructuring of Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township that aims to reduce development and delivery times of military technologies and could result in as many as 1,000 jobs being moved to other locations.

She wants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to visit Picatinny in person, because she believes that as the U.S. military’s sole hub for advancing and fielding military weapons and ammunition, Picatinny is best positioned to deliver on the Department of Defense’s goals.

“The Fed’s plan to dismantle certain functions at Picatinny Arsenal put military innovation, jobs and national security in jeopardy,” Dunn said. “Picatinny’s workforce is critical to keeping the armed forces ready to meet the challenges of modern hostilities. The value of this garrison can’t be reduced to a numbers game. I am asking Secretary Hegseth to see it in person so he better understands the gravity of the proposed changes and how well prepared this base is to meet modernized acquisition processes.”

The U.S. Army’s proposal would break up a program at Picatinny Arsenal that is responsible for developing, procuring and fielding military weapons and ammunition. It would potentially transfer 1,000 jobs to other installations across the country.

Dunn, who is a member of the New Jersey Military Skills Council and consistent champion of military and veteran-friendly legislation, said that if the Pentagon is serious about acquisition reform, Picatinny would be the obvious choice.

“Picatinny is perfectly poised to address the goals of this administration, because it is already the military’s leader in munitions and maintains full lifecycle capabilities,” Dunn said.

“I am urging Secretary Hegseth to withdraw the current proposal and instead survey the arsenal’s work to see how the Pentagon can invest in the existing expertise and operations in New Jersey.”

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11, is leading a bi-partisan effort to save Picatinny Arsenal’s loss of nearly $1 billion and 1,000 jobs.

Sherrill, along with a group of members of the U.S. Congress and Senate — among them Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., and Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7 — demanded that Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll halt the Army’s proposal to restructure its acquisition offices.

On Tuesday, July 22, State Sen. Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, also issued a statement opposing the restructuring.

“Picatinny Arsenal has long been a center of excellence, home to world-class research and development facilities that deliver state-of-the-art military technology to support the brave men and women who defend our nation at home and abroad,” said Sen. Bucco. “Beyond its critical national defense mission, Picatinny serves as a major economic engine for our region and the state, providing high-quality careers for thousands of New Jerseyans.”

“The Army’s proposed restructuring, which would transfer key research functions away from Picatinny, not only threatens the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs but also risks the innovation and expertise that have made Picatinny a national asset. I strongly urge the Department of Defense to reconsider these changes and to recognize the critical role Picatinny continues to play in safeguarding our country and supporting our service members.”

Kean Jr. also issued a statement on Tuesday, July 22.

“Picatinny Arsenal is irreplaceable,” Kean said. “The experience and knowledge of the 6,000 employees at Picatinny cannot be replicated anywhere else in the country. This is a national security asset that fuels military readiness and supports vital aspects of our national security. For New Jersey, and for our nation, I am fighting to ensure the mission at Picatinny continues at full strength.”

Picatinny is Morris County’s third largest employer with 6,000 scientists, engineers, military personnel and support staff. It contributes approximately $367 million annually in workforce labor to New Jersey, including $163 million directly to Morris County.

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