NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — In the wake of a spate of suicides aboard an aircraft carrier in 2022, the Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding announced Monday that they are ready to move forward with building a parking garage, addressing a key quality-of-life concern for sailors at the shipyard.
The new parking garage, which officials told reporters at a press conference would add around 2,000 new parking spots for sailors about half of a mile from the Newport News shipyard, is set to begin construction before the end of the year and be ready for use by the spring of 2026.
“Today’s announcement is incredible news, and it is a long time in coming,” Jennifer Boykin, the president of the shipyard, told reporters. “Change is rarely immediate, and I remain committed to fighting for what is important to better serve our shipbuilders and our sailor’s needs.”
Read Next: Into the Deep: Marine Breaks National Freediving Record with 73-Meter Plunge into Mexico Sinkhole
The new parking structure is aimed at alleviating the hours-long commutes that included far-flung parking lots and shuttle buses, which most sailors experienced while stationed on aircraft carriers undergoing years-long overhauls and maintenance periods while at the Newport News shipyard. The complex system of parking lots and travel meant that a sailor’s workday could actually start as early as 4 a.m. and not end until well after 6 or 7 p.m.
Although leaders in the Navy knew that parking…
