Men and women who work at the base used words like betrayal, sadness and disbelief to describe the mood today at the Portsmouth Shipyard.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Dan Gorenstein went to Kittery and spoke with workers outside Gate 1.
Right about lunchtime some 2000 shipyard workers marched out of the naval base.
Leading the line was Metal Trades Council President Paul O'Connor.
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1:08 we have a lot of work ahead of us next four or five months. It's unconscionable that the Navy and the DOD put us on the list. We got an award...meritorious unit commendation for 2001-2004. (fade this down)And the day after we get this award we get notified we are not good enough to be open anymore. And that's wrong. That's absolutely wrong, you know.
As O'Connor continued to read the award letter, he was surrounded by his fellow workers.
Some had their jaws clenched.
Some had tears in their eyes.
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2:14 credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. We got this award yesterday, and today they say we are closing. I say we are not closing, we will send our message to Washington, they will hear us, they will turn this around. (cheering, whistling, we are number one chants....)
The crowd rose and fell with O'Connor's words.
For at least a few minutes the union president was the epicenter of the crowd's world.
Of the more than 4000 civilians who work at the base, New Hampshire is home to about 1800.
And their salaries represent about 120 million dollars a year.
The union president told reporters when he first heard the news it was like his heart was torn out.
And during the impromptu rally that kind of pain flowed freely.
Electronics technician Suzanne Leg was totally surprised.
Both she and her husband work at the Shipyard, and she's not sure what's next.
2:01 it could mean leaving the area. Relocating. I hate to even think of that. But we'll have to make the best of it, as I am sure other people at other places that have got closed down have. But that is the last resort that I even want to think of. We have a fight to fight. And this Yard is going to take that fight on and we are going to do our best till then.
Leg was with her 9 year old son Adam.
When asked what he thought about the moment, Adam said 'cool.'
6:08 I think it's just nice to have everyone join together and try to keep it open...6:40 I am proud to be a son of two parents who work at the number 1 shipyard in the world. Or in the country. And I would like to say hi to everyone at St. Patrick school.
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:34 my dad worked here, my grandfather worked here. My uncles work here. My aunt works here. My family is here.
Jay Williams is 27, and has worked as a nuclear electronics mechanic for four years.
He says he's not sure how he's going to break the news to his wife.
But when he gets home, he'll play with his 2 yr. old and 4 yr. old like any other day.
And he'll go back to work on Monday.
But between now and then, he knows how he's going to relieve the sting he feels.
6:58 I'll probably go sing. (what song) I don't know. Kryptonite. By 3 doors down...7:46 I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind. I left my body lying somewhere on the sands of time...you know that one?...that'll help me.
For NHPR News, I'm DG.
