Decision on carrier move postponed

WASHINGTON, DC - WAVY.com has learned the Pentagon is delaying and reviewing its decision to move a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier out of Norfolk - a decision that could save thousands of jobs in Hampton Roads.

In January, the Navy announced it was going ahead with plans to move one of the carriers at Naval Station Norfolk to Mayport, Florida. But now, it seems the full-court pressure Virginia's bipartisan delegation has been puting on the Defense Department was a success.

Democrat and republican legislators alike are elated and relieved with the DoD's decision. There has been a strong effort in Virginia to block the Navy from moving a Norfolk-based carrier to Florida because such a move would cost Hampton Roads thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity.

Governor Tim Kaine told WAVY.com Thursday evening, this delay makes room for long-term optimism.

"Senator Webb and I met with key administration officials about this the day after the inauguration to talk to him about it and express the concerns we had about it and we have been monitoring it ever since and we are very happy to see this announcement today," he explained.

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman from the 1st District and Democratic Congressman Glenn Nye from the 2nd District, both on the Armed Services Committee, have been pushing to keep the carrier, the jobs and the economic stimulus that comes with it.

"Well, a nuclear carrier battle group accounts for about $600 million of economic activity in Norfolk every year that the carrier remains here.  And it's also important that the carrier stay here because trying to move the carrier around can split up families," Congressman Nye said.

Senator Wittman said, "I think they looked at the economic situation, the budget situation and also all of us in the Virginia delegation have been working to make sure they look very closely at this decision."

Democratic Senator Jim Webb released a statement Thursday evening saying: "I am gratified that the Department of Defense has formally decided to postpone the major elements of the Navy's proposal until after a proper strategic review has been conducted, as I have consistently urged."

One of the biggest arguments against the move is the fact the base in Mayport is not equipped to accommodate a nuclear flattop and it would take hundreds of millions of dollars to retrofit Mayport.

Virginia legislators say it's just not worth it, especially not when the Navy is so behind right now on costly ship maintenance throughout the fleet.

The issue will come up for review again in 2010, but Virginia's delegation says it will remain vigilant in its efforts to keep all the east coast carriers in Hampton Roads.