Virginia delegation cheers carrier move delay

“Historic fiscal challenges and the devastating prospect of
a trillion dollars in defense cuts have only bolstered our argument that such a
move would not just be strategically unnecessary, but also fiscally
irresponsible,” said Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), in a statement with state
colleagues Reps. Rob Wittman (R) and Scott Rigell (R).

{mosads}“Today’s announcement to call off these plans is a
tremendous victory for the citizens of Hampton Roads,” Forbes said.

Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) said the Navy’s decision “affirms the
strategic and fiscal logic behind it.”

While the Virginia delegation said the move was now
cancelled, Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.), whose district includes Mayport Naval
Station, said that the project has only been delayed. He said he’s been “assured
by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) that the Navy remains committed” to
moving the carrier to Mayport.

“This makes no sense,” Crenshaw said in a statement. “We are
already three years into making Mayport nuclear capable. Further delay will
only drive costs higher.”

The Pentagon has planned to move one carrier out of Norfolk because
it did not want all its East Coast nuclear carriers stationed in the same
place.

The brawl over the move has occurred in large part because of
the economic impact and jobs associated with wherever the carrier is located.