Possible carrier move debate continues

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The debate about whether or not to move a Norfolk-based aircraft carrier to Mayport, Florida, has taken another turn with both sides claiming some measure of victory.

Virginia Congressman Glenn Nye's office released a statement Thursday indicating that the proposed move may be shelved because of budget concerns. But at least one Florida Congressman believes that Nye may be getting a little ahead of himself.

The debate about whether or not to relocate one of the Atlantic Fleet carriers from Naval Station Norfolk to Naval Station Mayport comes down to two issues - national security and a shrinking defense budget.

In a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee Thursday, committee member Nye, citing recent remarks by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, asked Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work about spending cuts for several projects on the Navy's wish list.

"There are no sacred cows, everything is on the table. Do you agree with that?" asked Nye.

"Yes sir, I do," answered Work.

Nye went on to ask Work if the multi-million dollar price tag to homeport a carrier in Mayport was fiscally sound.  The Navy plans to fund the Mayport project over several years with 2019 being the target date for completion.

"This is a cost that we believe is very manageable and does not, in any way, shape or form, take away from any of the other higher priority goals in the department," Work said.

Florida Congressman Ander Crenshaw sits on the House Appropriations Committee, which just approved $2 million in planning and design funds to make Mayport 'nuclear ready.' The funding was approved after Under Secretary Work testified about the risks of having all the nation's east coast carriers in one port. Referring to the statement released by Nye, Crenshaw released his own to 10 On Your Side on Friday.

"My Virginia colleague presents an out of context and distorted presentation of the facts," Crenshaw said in his statement. "It's misleading and truly amazing."

Nye was quick to respond.

"First of all, there is no mention of Mayport in the appropriations bill," said Nye. "Also, the proposal to put money into a redundant homeport down in Florida was made without any specific analysis done and this is something that the GAO report I ordered last year showed very clearly."

But Crenshaw remains confident that the Navy's desire to spread out the east coast carriers will rule the day saying, "In my book, members of the Virginia delegation have even less of a leg to stand on this year than they did last year."

All indications are that the Navy's leadership remains intent on moving a carrier to Mayport, in the interest of national security. But estimates for the total cost of that move are around $590 million. And even though the cost would be spread out over several years, the current budget constraints mean both sides can expect a continued tough fight.

A Pentagon spokesperson tells WAVY.com the Navy remains committed to dispersing the East coast carriers in the interest of national security.