Local leaders oppose carrier move

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Sen. Jim Webb(D-VA) told WAVY.com after a joint news conference announcing opposition to moving an aircraft carrier from Naval Station Norfolk to Naval Station Mayport in Florida.

Sen. John Warner (R-VA), Sen-Elect Mark Warner (D-VA) and Gov. Tim Kaine stood together to say moving a carrier would be a bad decision.

Former Secretaries of the Navy, and current Senators Warner and Webb sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates urging no action be taken until after the new administration is in place in January.

The letter said the Navy made, "No compelling argument to justify its decision."

Strong words suggested the new administration can look at the proposal with "...greater analytical rigor than the Navy has demonstrated."

During the news conference, John Warner said, "I felt we're trying to do this decision with the last minute closeout of this administration, with full knowledge the nation has made a consciensious decision, it's going to have a change in administration."

The unified group said taking a carrier from Norfolk was not necessary and irresponsible. The elected leaders estimate a move to Mayport would cost an estimated $1-billion. Mayport is not equipped to homeport a nuclear-powered carrier.

Webb said, "Naval Station Norfolk has in the past seven years received $400-million in funds invested, enabling them to perform the same mission they're talking about sending to Mayport, Frofida."

Mark Warner said, "We are going to win this fight, because we've got the facts."

Kaine, who calls President-elect Barack Obama friend, agrees with that position. He said he's reached out to the new administration to put a hold on a final decision.