Navy to delay overhaul of USS Lincoln

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The U.S. Navy announced Friday the budget impasse has resulted in a decision to delay the overhaul of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

"Today's announcement that the Navy will not begin the RCOH of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) is yet another example of how these reckless and irresponsible defense cuts in Washington will have a long-term impact on the Navy's ability to perform its missions. Not only will the Lincoln be delayed in returning to the fleet, but this decision will also affect the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) defueling, the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) RCOH, and future carrier readiness.  This administration has cut our budgets to the bone and this announcement underscores that when we come to a bump in the road, like this current budget delay, or encounter a crisis on another part of the globe, our military now lacks the reserve capacity to meet our National Security requirements."

The news comes the same week the Secretary of Defense delayed the deployment of Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), which was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8.

USS Abraham Lincoln, commissioned in 1989 , is currently at Naval Station Norfolk, according to Chief Christina Shaw with Navy Region Public Affairs.

Lincoln arrived in Norfolk on Aug. 7 and was supposed to undergo a four year refueling complex overhaul in Newport News.

WAVY News 10 Military Reporter Art Kohn will have much more on the economic impact today's announcement will have on Hampton Roads, beginning tonight on WAVY News 10 at 5 p.m.