According to a recent Associated Press post, the submarine manufacturer Electric Boat announced it will add 450 new jobs at its Quonset Point, Rhode Island facility over the next five years.  It also has plans to put some $55 million toward the expansion of its Virginia-class nuclear submarine program at the same facility.  The jobs created by this newest slate of hiring will include specialized laborers such as welders and electricians.

The news is welcome for the Ocean State, which has been hard hit by the recession.  It is currently fourth in unemployment nationally with a rate of 12.5 percent and has seen the loss of over 40,000 jobs since 2006.