Austin News

On July 25, 2024, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, along with Representative Michael Cloud, addressed childcare quality-of-life concerns at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) in a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. They called for expedited investment in the base's child development center (CDC), emphasizing its importance to the well-being and operational readiness of NASCC personnel.

The letter stated: "Upgrading the NASCC CDC would surely improve the value proposition of service at NASCC for prospective and current Sailors, while not doing so risks exacerbating such shortfalls."

Currently, the NASCC CDC faces significant infrastructure issues. The facility is small and aging, with problems in plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. The legislators stressed that these conditions fall short of acceptable standards for military families.

They also highlighted that the renovation or replacement project has not yet reached the crucial 35% design threshold and is not included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction Future Years Defense Program. "Elevating the priority of this project would signal to Sailors and their families their importance to the Navy," they wrote.

The lawmakers concluded by expressing their readiness to ensure that the Department of the Navy receives necessary resources to care for its sailors and families.