The libraries of eastern Connecticut present “Surviving BRAC” on May 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Academic Building on the campus of the University of Connecticut, Avery Point.CT Submarine Century Lecture: ''Surviving BRAC'' May 4 in Groton
BRAC, Base Realignment and Closure, is the congressionally authorized process the Department of Defense has used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business. Our panelists will take a look back to 2005 when Naval Submarine Base New London was threatened with closure and examine how the lessons learned have improved the base’s position for future BRAC rounds.
Panelists include Congressman Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 2nd congressional district since 2007; Robert R. “Rob” Simmons, current First Selectman of Stonington and Connecticut’s 2nd District Congressman from 2001-2007; Robert T. Ross, Executive Director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs; Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and Mark R. Oefinger, Town Manager, Town of Groton. The panel will be moderated by Ray Hackett. Ray Hackett is a 40-year veteran journalist and the former editorial page editor and political columnist for the Norwich Bulletin. During that time he covered and reported on three BRAC rounds that targeted the Groton Submarine Base, including the 2005 BRAC that recommended the complete closure of the naval facility.
This presentation will be available for viewing on the Library website and on GMTV channel 2 on Comcast and Thames Valley Communications in early June. For more information, please contact the Groton Public Library at 860-441-6750. 
