Senators, brass talk carrier move

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Virginia Sen. Jim Webb got another chance Tuesday to voice his frustration over page 69 of the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). One sentence, in part, read, "...the U.S. Navy will homeport an east coast carrier in Mayport, Florida."

It's a move that could take thousands of sailors, their families and other jobs out of Hampton Roads--currently home to the largest Navy base in the world.

Webb came face to face with top military officials on Capitol Hill: Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. Both appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committe.

"I do not think it's appropriate for the Navy to think that it can spend a billion dollars in upgrading a 'nice-to-have' facility in Mayport, and at the same time when we're looking to try to build the fleet up to 313 ships," Webb said to Gates.

Florida lawmakers were elated Monday at the chance of a new carrier at Mayport, calling the inclusion of the move in the QDR "a done deal." Still, Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., had questions considering the Jacksonville port can not currently support a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

"I know you all support that and I appreciate that," LeMieux praised, "but there is no money in the budget as I understand it for the nuclearization projects or other projects that need to be completed."

There's $239 million fitted for the Mayport military construction for Mayport." Mullen responded.

In downtown Norfolk, commerce officials feared the financial impact a carrier loss would have on the local economy.

Jack Hornbeck, president of the Hammpton Roads Chamber of Commerce, said the military makes up 40 percent of the local economy.

"These are not just men and women in uniform. These are our neighbors and friends and coaches, and that sort of thing, and the military is a critical part of this region." Such a large loss of sailors would translate to a bigger loss of money, Hornbeck predicts.

"I think all of this data and the arguments have been made already, its a matter of making sure we continue to push that message to Congress and the Department of the Navy," he said. "I don't think the issue is 'do we have to demonstrate to the military that we love them.' We've already established that because we've been blessed to have a significant military presence here for a very long time."

But if Congress approves the move the question remains of which carrier would be chosen.

"Will you officially designate a ship to Mayport in the coming months?" LeMieux asked Mullen.

"As soon as the Navy brings one up, I just don't know where they are in that process," Mullen responded.

A spokesperson with Webb's office said late Tuesday afternoon that he has requested a briefing from the Department of Defense this week to talk more about the Mayport issue.

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