ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth paid a visit to the Rock Island Arsenal, Monday afternoon. Secretary Wormuth was accompanied by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
"I didn't realize what just an incredible history there is here at the arsenal. I mean, the fact that it goes back 160 years and that we had, you know, Confederate prisoners here on the island you know, that's just remarkable," Secretary Wormuth said in regards to the Rock Island Arsenal.
Secretary Wormuth assured Quad Citizens should not be worried about any base closures at the Arsenal.
"Quad City residents should not be worried about a BRAC."
The base realignment and closure operation, BRAC, coordinates closures of military installations, but Secretary Wormuth says the Arsenal plays too big of a role in helping NATO assist Ukraine.
"It's really, I think, underscored how important it is to have a healthy defense industrial base, and Rock Island Arsenal is core to that. So there's really nothing to worry about," Secretary Wormuth said.
Continuing, she said that the Rock Island Arsenal is a major component of the Army's growth.
"I would say Rock Island Arsenal is as important as ever, you know, one of the things that I think is really unique about the arsenal is just how many different types of manufacturing activities take place here in one place. We have met, you know, we may have other Arsenal's where there are castings or forgings. But we don't have all of the different things that are done here at Rock Island Arsenal."