Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today echoed the critical need for a judicious Department of Defense (DoD) review of a proposed aircraft carrier move from Norfolk, Virginia, to Mayport, Florida, as discussions continue on the nation’s fiscal future and as the DoD works to strip the defense budget of $450 billion in cuts over the next 10 years, with additional cuts looming. Wittman, along with members of the Virginia delegation, has encouraged the DoD to review a previous decision to move an aircraft carrier homeport to Mayport, Florida, costing taxpayers anywhere from $500 million - $1 billion in redundant DoD assets that already exist in Norfolk.

In a response to a September 2011 letter sent by members of the Virginia congressional delegation, the newly-appointed Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert stated that DoD will give the move another look. In his response, Greenert stated, “Within the context of the ongoing Department of Defense strategic and budget reviews, the size of the fiscal adjustments compels us to take a comprehensive strategic review, examining every program element, including the funding required to homeport a CVN in Mayport.”

“The DoD is continually being asked to do more with less, and a redundant homeport for nuclear carriers is unnecessary and an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars in tough economic times,” Wittman said. “With funding shortfalls for sustainment, repair, and modernization projects at Naval shipyards, we must first look at what current needs are to ensure we maintain a strong Naval fleet.”

More:

September 2011 Congressional delegation letter

October 2011 Letter from CNO Admiral Greenert

May 2011 Video: Wittman Weighs in Against Proposal to Move Carrier to Mayport

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

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