April 9, 2009: Congressman Wittman Statement on Navy Decision to Postpone Carrier Move

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman spoke with Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, the Department of Defense's (DoD) second in command. Lynn informed Wittman that the DOD has decided to postpone the movement of a nuclear aircraft carrier from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL until the completion of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.

"I am pleased that the decision to homeport a nuclear powered aircraft carrier in Mayport, FL has been postponed until the completion of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). However, I want to continue to work with the Navy to ensure that the proposed dredging activities are only being used for an emergency contingency and not for permanent home-porting. As I have stated on the record for several months during Armed Services Committee hearings, I believe this decision needs to be based on the strategic defense needs of this nation as identified in the QDR."

Earlier this week, Wittman along with other members of the House Armed Services Committee continued to voice their opposition to the move in light of DoD budget obligations and strategic planning in a letter to President Obama following Defense Secretary Gate's fiscal year 2010 budget recommendations. The letter can be viewed HERE.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.