Rutherford Urges Dept. of Defense to Bring Nuclear Carrier to Mayport

Press Release

Congressman Rutherford along with the Florida Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Mattis and Acting Naval Secretary Stackley urging them to fully fund the infrastructure to allow the Navy to base nuclear aircraft carriers at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville. In 2010, the U.S. Navy announced their decision to strategically base nuclear aircraft carriers throughout the United States, specifically at Naval Air Station Mayport.

Congressman Rutherford released this accompanying statement:

"As we begin the important work of rebuilding our military, particularly our Naval fleet, we must make strategic investments in our national defense. Making Mayport capable of homeporting nuclear aircraft carriers is exactly the type of strategic action needed to enhance our sailors' capabilities. Mayport is a critical part of the Navy's mission and future, and I am grateful that our state delegation is fully committed to Mayport's critical role in our national security."

The letter was signed by all of the Florida delegation including: U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), as well as U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Thomas Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL) and Ted Yoho (R-FL).

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