Statement of Governor Kaine on Navy-DoD Decision to Homeport a Nuclear-Powered Carrier at Naval Station Mayport

Statement

Statement of Governor Kaine on Navy-DoD Decision to Homeport a Nuclear-Powered Carrier at Naval Station Mayport

Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today on the Navy's "Record of Decision" to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Naval Station Mayport, Florida:

"Today's news that the Department of the Navy has decided to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Mayport is both disappointing and fiscally irresponsible.

"Not only will such a move incur great financial costs to American taxpayers already stretched by an economic crisis and mounting household costs—the Secretary of the Navy and his Department have failed to present a convincing argument for the strategic operational advantage of such a move. The proposal to move a single carrier to a station without current capacity to maintain a nuclear-powered vessel—without moving additional support ships or establishing a long-term plan for the carrier's programmatic support—raises serious and troubling questions about the prudence of the Navy's decision.

"The best way to ensure the nation's security, avoid unnecessary environmental impact, and to serve the interests of the country's citizens is to maintain Hampton Roads as the East Coast carrier base. Eleventh hour decisions should not sway our government from these priorities today or in the months to come.

"I will continue to stand with Senator Webb, Senator Warner, and the Virginia Congressional delegation to fight this action."

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