Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) praised the U.S. Navy's decision today to move forward with its plans for USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) by officially putting the ship under contract. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, Wittman has been committed to funding the LPD-28 to ensure the Marine Corps receives its next amphibious transport ship:

“Today marks a major milestone for our Navy and for our Marine Corps as they look to add more capacity and capability for the amphibious fleet,” Wittman said. “The USS Fort Lauderdale contract comes at a critical time. After our 15 years valiantly serving on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, our U.S. Marine Corps has begun to refocus on its core, amphibious, fighting function using warships like USS Fort Lauderdale. In action, USS Fort Lauderdale will transport Marines, their vehicles, and their equipment to distant operating areas allowing them to conduct expeditionary operations ashore. Our Marines must be ready to ‘fight tonight,’ and ships like the USS Fort Lauderdale will get them where they need to go.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.