Wittman on Navy's decision to decommission USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the below statement following the decision by the United States Navy to decommission the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) following review of extensive damage from a fire earlier this year:

"Although I am dismayed at the loss of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), I agree with the Navy's decision to decommission the ship due to excess damaged sustained during the July fire. I am disappointed that fire safety continues to be among the chief problems our Navy struggles with today. We absolutely cannot forget that these ships are most vulnerable when their inherent safety measures are rendered useless, particularly during maintenance availabilities. While the decision to decommission has been made, the investigation into the fire that cause this damage is ongoing. I look forward to working with the Navy in my Congressional oversight role to get to the bottom of this incident and using the lessons learned to prevent future incidents."

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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.