Blumenthal And Murphy Urge Coast Guard To Keep Band In Connecticut
(Hartford, CT) – Following media reports that the U.S. Coast Guard is considering moving its band from New London to Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) issued a letter formally expressing opposition to any move and requesting that a working group established to research the costs and logistics of such a change consult with them before making a decision with adverse impacts on the state.
The U.S. Coast Guard Band has been located in New London since its creation 90 years ago, and performs 20 concerts annually for the public, in addition to programs to educate and entertain local students.
"Connecticut has been a proud partner of the U.S. Coast Guard since its founding days over 225 years ago. Not only is New London the home of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, but also the U.S. Coast Guard Band since its creation 90 years ago. The U.S. Coast Guard Band is a vital part of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Connecticut community. Each year the band performs over 20 concerts for the public, as well as programs to educate and entertain local students. Similarly, some of the band’s musicians are also members of Connecticut symphonies that in turn would lose musicians if the band leaves Connecticut. Moreover, we are concerned that during periods of heightened fiscal pressure, the relocation of the U.S. Coast Guard Band would be an unnecessary expense as maintenance costs and emerging threats further consume a large portion of the U.S. Coast Guard’s budget. We ask that you conduct a thorough review of the economic, fiscal, and cultural impacts of relocation, and that you closely consult with the Connecticut Congressional delegation and state and local leaders,” Blumenthal and Murphy said.
The full text of the letter is below.
October 27, 2015
Admiral Paul F. Zukunft
Commandant of the Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard
2100 Second Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20593
Dear Admiral Zukunft:
Recent media reports reveal that the U.S. Coast Guard is in the early stages of considering a relocation of the U.S. Coast Guard Band from New London, Connecticut to the Washington, D.C. area. We would like to work with you to ensure more Americans enjoy hearing the U.S. Coast Guard Band, but we are opposed to the transfer of this vital cultural centerpiece of Connecticut.
Connecticut has been a proud partner of the U.S. Coast Guard since its founding days over 225 years ago. Not only is New London the home of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, but also the U.S. Coast Guard Band since its creation 90 years ago. The U.S. Coast Guard Band is a vital part of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the Connecticut community. Each year the band performs over 20 concerts for the public, as well as programs to educate and entertain local students. Similarly, some of the band’s musicians are also members of Connecticut symphonies that in turn would lose musicians if the band leaves Connecticut. Moreover, we are concerned that during periods of heightened fiscal pressure, the relocation of the U.S. Coast Guard Band would be an unnecessary expense as maintenance costs and emerging threats further consume a large portion of the U.S. Coast Guard’s budget. We ask that you conduct a thorough review of the economic, fiscal, and cultural impacts of relocation, and that you closely consult with the Connecticut Congressional delegation and state and local leaders.
We remain committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of the U.S. Coast Guard and look forward to engaging with you during this review. We request that the working group established by Vice Admiral Charles D. Michael to research the costs and logistics required to move the band consult with us prior to making a final decision that would have a potentially adverse impact on our state. We appreciate your attention and response to our concerns.
Sincerely,
__________________________ __________________________
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY
United States Senate United State Senate