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GAO: Fla. could maintain nuclear carrier
Updated: Wednesday, 30 Mar 2011, 8:51 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 30 Mar 2011, 8:42 AM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Ship-repair firms in northeast Florida would likely be able to support the maintenance requirements of a nuclear aircraft carrier if one moves from Norfolk to Mayport, Fla., the U.S. General Accountability Office said Tuesday.
Norfolk is the only home port for five aircraft carriers on the East Coast. Defense officials say that's a national security concern, citing threats of terrorism and natural disasters. The West Coast has five carriers based in three locations.
Norfolk became home to the entire Atlantic Fleet of carriers when Mayport lost the conventionally powered John F. Kennedy to decommissioning in 2007. The GAO memo notes that private ship-repair firms in northeast Florida have previously demonstrated the ability to support carrier maintenance.
Tuesday's report says there are three ship-repair companies certified by the Navy to support the maintenance requirements of its ships, including aircraft carriers. The report notes that officials from those companies said they would maintain their presence in the region even as the Navy decommissions other Mayport-based ships.
The Navy plans to move a Norfolk-based carrier to Mayport in 2019, although Virginia officials oppose that plan.
Virginia leaders are concerned about a possible move because the Hampton Roads region stands to lose 6,000 jobs and $425 million in annual revenue if a carrier permanently sails to Mayport.
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