Statement of Governor Warner on the BRAC Commission Vote to Consider the Closure or Realignment of Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach

Statement of Governor Warner on the BRAC Commission Vote to Consider the Closure or Realignment of Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach

Governor Mark R. Warner issued the following statement today after Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach was added to the list of military bases under consideration for closure or realignment:

"I am deeply troubled by the action taken today by the 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission to consider the closure of Oceana Naval Air Station.

"It appears that the facts have been ignored. Commissioners have not considered information we provided which details the long-standing commitment of the City of Virginia Beach to work with the Navy to address encroachment and other concerns.

"I spoke with Mayor Meyera Oberndorf and Senator John Warner just moments ago, and we remain committed to vigorously working with them and the entire Virginia Congressional Delegation in presenting the facts to the Commission as they continue their assessment in the coming days.

"I join Senator Warner in calling for a specific hearing on Oceana by members of the national BRAC commission so the City can provide an objective perspective.

"So today's action, while of concern, still provides us the opportunity to make the case for Oceana directly to the Commissioners."

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Jul05/0719b.htm