Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to the article “Rocket Lab Chooses Wallops Island for Neutron Rocket Manufacturing,” published in your newspaper on March 4. Since I moved to the Eastern Shore 12 years ago, I have seldom missed a rocket launch out of Wallops.
The atmosphere on the Shore changes right before a rocket launch; so many people scan the skies to see the glow of the rocket as it rises and disappears toward outer space. You never forget standing with family, friends, and many other onlookers as someone points and call out, “There it is!”
I am excited to see Rocket Lab’s decision to start manufacturing at Wallops. Rocket Lab says it needs 250 engineers, technicians, and support staff. The new manufacturing facility can be beneficial to locals, young and old, and I hope we take full advantage of this opportunity for good-paying careers here on the Shore.
Those of us currently off the Shore at college or at the community college can get our degrees and the right credentials and be first in line to fill out these job applications. I also encourage the state to provide training targeted to local Eastern Shore people to prepare them for employment at the facility.
If we work together, Rocket Lab could provide a tremendous opportunity for hundreds of families in Accomack and Northampton counties.
Gunnar Gustafson,
Machipongo and Harrisonburg, Va
