Suffolk establishes JFCOM worker hotline

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The city of Suffolk announced Friday that it has established a hotline to help employees impacted by the upcoming closure of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM).

According to the city, the number, 757-461-7537, is the first in a number of programs and resources that will be made available to those who will be displaced or to those whose businesses might be impacted.

Officials say the USJFCOM Assistance Hotline number is being managed by Opportunity, Inc. who will be able to provide resources through their current One-Stop Career Center programs and/or One-on-One career coaching and preparation.

In February, Gen. Ray Odierno, Commanding Officer of JFCOM, estimated Hampton Roads would lose 2,300 jobs, or just under half the command's work force, when JFCOM is closed. The command's elimination is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Last October, the Pentagon ordered JFCOM eliminated as part of far reaching budget cuts. The command, whose mission is to train troops from all military services to work together, has a budget of just under $1 billion, and its closure is expected to save about $430 million a year.

More than 5,700 people are employed by JFCOM according to its website. That includes military, civilians, and contractors.

Suffolk authorities say a website to provide further assistance to impacted workers is currently under construction. Additionally, a One Stop Career Center known as "The Virginia Regional Center for USJFCOM Workforce Transition Center and Business Development" is scheduled to open in late April in the Bridgeway Technology Center I building in Suffolk.