Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Detachment Norco (Det. Norco), home of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, released the latest Economic Impact Assessment for the Inland Empire's Navy base July 23.

The assessment, based on financial data from fiscal year 2015, reported Det. Norco's military and supporting operations generated $330 million in total economic benefit in a 25-mile radius of the base.

"We are proud to promote economic stability in the region while ensuring our mission supports our military and country," said Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Commanding Officer, Capt. Noel Dahlke.

Det. Norco produces a steady source of economic stimulus for Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties.

From the $330 million generated, $232 million came from total industry output, $98 million in direct military and civilian payroll. The Navy also generated $12 million in state and local tax revenue.

More than 1,600 military, Navy civilian and support contractor personnel work aboard Det. Norco, including 940 who live within 25 miles of the base.

"Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona has been the leader in the Navy's research, test and evaluation for more than 65 years, right here in Norco. Our mission is crucial for developing and assessing the Navy's warfighting capability, and our vision for the future is that we accelerate warfighting decisions even faster to dominate the threat against us," said Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Braunbeck.

Nearly 20,000 personnel visited the installation and stayed an average of 3.5 days. Visitors spent an estimated total of $12 million dollars on off-base lodging, dining, car rentals and retail spending.
In addition to the millions of dollars Det. Norco contributes to the regional economy, the installation employees also give back to the community.

"The partnership between the base and community goes beyond economic impact. We work to maintain a strong presence in the community with our award-winning outreach programs that help illustrate how we sustain the Navy the nation needs," said Braunbeck. "And key for us is our science and engineering education outreach, highlighted this summer with a record number of more than 60 high school and college internships."

The warfare center has donated more than $115,000 through the annual Combined Federal Campaign to support local and national charities, and with community partners, helped raise $30,000 in the last three years for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society through the annual Inland Empire Navy Birthday Ball.

Base personnel participate in community involvement through a number of partnership activities, including Thanksgiving food drives, Toys for Tots, local job fairs and the Sea Cadet program.

To increase the community's understanding of Det. Norco, the installation hosts events for the public to visit the base and learn more about the command's mission and celebrate military history. Each year, the base hosts an open house science experience for thousands of visitors.

"As our mission continues to grow, so does the support from the local communities and organizations," said Braunbeck. "We're honored to have such positive and loyal support from the community."


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For more news from Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, visit www.navy.mil/.