Warner, Fraim continue carrier fight

NORFOLK, VA - Friday, the Navy released it's final Environmental Impact Statement claiming it makes sense to move a nuclear powered aircraft carrier to Mayport Florida.

It Makes no sense according to Virginia's newly elected U.S. Senator Mark Warner, "The facts are clearly on Virginia's side and we are absolutely united to to ge it done."

That means to reverse the Navy's decision.  The Navy rated Mayport Naval Station higher than Norfolk for almost everything military.

The Navy's Homeport Proposal is designed to:

1. Dispatch ships quickly to danger areas
2. Increase Readiness Training
3. Improve Ship Maintenance
4. Improve Quality of Life

"It's all a stretch" says Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, "It's purely a political move. The Florida governor, and the Florida congressional delegation wants the carrier all at the expense of  Virginia, and it has little to do with national defense."

The cost of getting Mayport ready for a nuclear carrier would cost $600-million.  Currently it can not fit in the port without dredging.

"This decision is not based on facts," says Warner.

The Navy on budget concerns: "While budgetary decisions drive the trend to consolidate or reduce the number of Navy bases overall, retaining bases in dispersed locations nationwide and worldwide supports the Fleet Response Plan...driven by strategic/geographic location and fleet operational readiness."

Warner and Fraim both know if this decision is pushed to after President-elect Barack Obama takes office it helps Virginia.

Why? Who is one of Obama's closest friends, and the co-chair of his national campaign for President....Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.

That's why the Virginia delegation wants all this put on hold until after January 20.