Goose Creek facility powers U.S. Navy future while bringing jobs, tax revenue

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) — A new high-tech manufacturing facility, now open in Berkeley County, is set to play a key role in the future of the U.S. Navy while delivering long-term economic benefits to the local community.

Defense contractor Leonardo DRS officially cut the ribbon on its new naval power manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, a more than 140,000-square-foot site designed to build and test electric power and propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines.

Company leaders say the facility will be used to manufacture and test submarine propulsion systems, supporting naval vessels expected to remain in service for decades.

“This is the formal opening of our brand new facility here that will be used for building and testing submarine propulsion systems,” said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems.

The Goose Creek site will test motors and build generators for the U.S. Navy, including systems for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, the next generation of U.S. submarines designed to carry nuclear missiles. The Columbia-class is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Navy’s fleet well into the second half of the century.

“We’re providing equipment for submarines that will be in the oceans out through the 2080s,” a Leonardo DRS executive said.

Local leaders say the impact of the investment goes beyond national defense. Berkeley County officials point to skilled, long-term jobs, opportunities for local contractors, and new tax revenue generated by the facility.

Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb said that revenue from the site could help fund public safety and education each year.

“With the tax revenue from this one site, we can hire new paramedics, two new EMS employees, new sheriff’s deputies each year,” Cribb said. “And with the money that will go to the school district from this one site, 10 new teachers this year and every year, so that is significant.”

Officials also say Berkeley County’s low tax rate, access to major highways, and proximity to the Port of Charleston made the area an attractive location for the investment.

Leonardo DRS leaders say the Goose Creek facility represents just the first phase of development, with future expansion planned to increase manufacturing and testing capacity. The company expects the site to support production for decades.

“We’ll be building that product here in the 2040s, 2050s, and perhaps beyond,” a Leonardo DRS naval power executive said. “We’re talking about jobs for generations.”