The Virginian-Pilot
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The Navy hasn't decided which of five Norfolk-based aircraft carriers would be moved to Mayport, Fla., if the relocation is approved, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told senators in Washington on Tuesday.
The Navy will make a recommendation but Defense Secretary Robert Gates will decide, Mullen told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The session was the first congressional hearing on the 2011 defense budget and a new review of defense strategy, which were made public Monday. The Quadrennial Defense Review supported the Navy's desire to relocate a carrier to Mayport Naval Station.
After Mullen and Gates talked briefly about the budget and review, U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., and a member of the committee, reminded the two of his opposition to moving a carrier.
"As you know, I do not think it is an appropriate budget item for the Navy to think that they can spend $1 billion upgrading a nice-to-have facility in Mayport at the same time when we're looking to try to build a fleet of up to 300 ships," Webb said.
Mullen didn't address Webb's concern. Under questioning from U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., he said there is $239 million in the proposed budget for military construction at Mayport.
Members of Virginia's congressional delegation are hoping to derail the Navy's plans, noting that they have yet to receive any serious research that backs up the military's argument that moving a carrier will reduce the threat of terrorist attacks, accidents or natural disasters.
Discussion of the possible move happened over only a few minutes during a three-hour hearing on the defense budget.
The House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to conduct a hearing on the Quadrennial Defense Review on Thursday. Three of the region's congressmen sit on that panel: U.S. Reps. Randy Forbes, R-4th District, which includes Chesapeake and Portsmouth, Glenn Nye, D-2nd District, which includes Virginia Beach and part of Norfolk, and Rob Wittman, R-1st District, which includes Williamsburg.
If Congress approves the move, the carrier transfer is at least four years away, Navy officials have said.
Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com
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I hope they move it to
I hope they move it to Detroit before BRAC does.
Stay out of it
This is a military decision, not a political one. Need to get junior webb to stop inducing politics into the military basing decision.
He is worried about the Navy spending several million for a nice to have, but yet he voted "yes master" to reid/obama on a trillion dollar healthcare scam, and never once stepped up to the plate for Virginians.
Why now? Close to re-election time I guess.
send them all!
I would like to see all of the carriers go to FL. All of the other ships as well. Heck, even the bases too. Maybe then we could drive on our roads again. Fat chance though.
Move carriers
I think you should be thankful that you have the right to post your thoughts about moving the Naval Bases and ships. You, should read the history of what happened to the Philippines in the last few years after the Us Navy left the area.
They are on longer able to service our Pacific fleet, Service the ,Navy Bases and Clark Air Base
You should take a little time to meet some of the military and find out hard it is to be away from home protecting the good people of the world. And your freedom.
I am a US Navy man and I buried a dear Navy friend today who spent 27 years protecting our great nation. If you don’t like the way of life in the USA go, to the Philippines and see what it would like to live with no US Navy to protect you, and all the payroll that your fine state would lose.
You won't have any place to
You won't have any place to drive to. In your scenario most of the businesses here would probably shut down also. Trickle down effect.
Hank, you're not to far off
The planned build up of Mayport infrastructure is such that it will accomidate two carriers. When one is deployed, all of the support elements for same will not just sit around.
Don't see a really big deal
I do not see an issue with Florida allowed to have one carrier. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to give them another as well. It sure would help free up some of the road conjestion we have around here. The Navy should decided what goes where and leave the politicans out of military affairs. After all, they already cause everyone enough problems. Senator Webb and congress could careless about military affairs until it hits home. Then, they want to stand up and make it look good in front of everyone just to buy votes in the next election. I'm retired military just as Senator Webb and alot others as well. Do us all a favor and stay out of military affairs. Let's take care of the things that are important which still has not happen and that is working more toward bi-partisionshipand get this country back to work. You know the usual crap we hear from politicans (JOBS, JOBS, JOBS). Again, one carrier is not going to hurt anyone from leaving this area. Where were you when the Ford Plant closed?
mayport
Ok for some reason it seems the people here are not aware that mayport has always been a vital base and until recent has had a carrier based there.The 80's we kept the fleet spread out to counter act the russian fleet and threat the 90's found the russian fleet spending less time off our coast and in the carribean,so congress said lets reduce the fleet and the ports to save money . History again is repeating the russians are making frequent trips off our coast have a base in veniszula not to mention the response time to aide countries like haiti would be much quicker and so far as the money being spent at mayport its the same as here the constant dredgeing that is needed to get these ships into channel and basic up keep of the base .1 0r 2 carriers gone will not kill the largest base or the economy in the area so lets not act like a spoiled child who doesnt want to share his toys.
just so you know i was here serving in the 80's ,90;s and currently;I have served n mayport which for those who dont know is jacksonville and am proud to call both VA ,FL Home.
I Say Again, Heck Yes!
I think it would be a great idea to move a carrier to Mayport. Except it will not be "W's" present to Daddy Bush, the USS G.H. Bush. The USS G.H. Bush should be homeported in California with an all gay crew. The next carrier in line to be built should be named the "USS William Jefferson Clinton" and be homported in Mayport Florida.
- Mission Accomplished!
HUH?
The USS G.H. Bush was ordered by the Navy Jan 26 2001. If you think G.W. Bush pushed the kind of thing through in 6 days then you are out of your military hating mind. Then secretary of the Navy Gordon England Named the ship. As for naming the next on William Jefferson Clinton... I dont think they make Liberty ships anymore.