LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan might be known for its Great Lakes, but it’s about to play an important role in protecting the high seas.
A new state partnership with the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense will help train the workforce of the future to build more submarines.
A powerful fleet of underwater ships — designed to protect the borders of the U.S. from far-off threats — the Navy owns about 50 attack submarines, but the number of operational subs has been sinking since the Cold War.
“Our submarine production is way, way down,” said Michigan State University Professor of International Relations Matt Zierler. “There’s only two major nuclear submarine manufacturers in the country and they haven’t reached the potential that they should have.”
The Department of Defense is turning to Michigan college students to help fill in the gaps by putting $50 million of funding into maritime manufacturing education. The program called the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative, or M3, will teach students to build submarine parts using trade skills like welding and machine design.
“Some of the things that the Navy and the Department of Defense will be doing in terms of promoting Navy manufacturing careers I think will be helpful across our workforce,” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Because we are talking about skills that are in demand not just for the Navy but across our workforce.”
While state officials like Corbin hope for a boost in job opportunities, Zierler said the program could prove to be crucial in securing the seas as global conflicts continue.
“If you look at some of the major threats around the world, say especially in the South China Sea, or the Indian Ocean, or even making sure shipping lanes in the Atlantic and Pacific are open, you need good Navy, which also means good submarines,” he told News 10.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the M3 program Monday. It’s already being implemented at Macomb Community College.
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Publish date : 2024-07-24 20:41:00
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