NAVWAR — the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command based in San Diego — is responsible for a $3.3 billion annual impact on the San Diego economy, according to a study released Tuesday.
The study by the Knauss School of Business at the University of San Diego found that the Navy’s communications and information systems branch directly employs 5,300 high-wage workers — 37% with advanced degrees — and supports 18,800 additional jobs.
“NAVWAR is , and will continue to be, a resilient and accretive economic generator for the San Diego region,” said Associate Professor Jeremy Gabe.
If NAVWAR was a private company, it would rank in the top 20 in San Diego, Gabe said.
He noted that in addition to a $910 million payroll, 90% of the $1.7 billion in contracts issued in San Diego by NAVWAR is spent in the region.
The study was sponsored by the San Diego Military Advisory Council at a time when the Navy is eyeing redevelopment of the World War II bomber plant on Pacific Highway to provide a state-of-the-art facility for NAVWAR.
“As an advocate for our local military, SDMAC wanted to produce a report to help our community better understand the significant economic importance of the Navy’s NAVWAR operations on the San Diego Region,” said Mark Balmert, SDMAC’s president and CEO.
The report was released at a gathering of military and political leaders at the University of San Diego.
“NAVWAR needs a new state-of-the art facility,” said MaryAnne Pintar, chief of staff to Rep. Scott Peters, adding that San Diego can benefit from the use of surplus land for new, affordable housing
Capt. Woody Clemons, chief of staff for Navy Region Southwest, promised that “any project that is good for the Navy should also provide positive impacts for the community.”