WASHINGTON, SEPT. 29, 2006 - "Although the Defense Authorization Act includes a military personnel pay raise and provides our troops with the equipment they need to complete their missions, it also includes language reducing the minimum carrier force from 12 to 11. This would allow the Navy to proceed with the planned retirement of the U.S.S. Kennedy in fiscal year 2007. However, the measure requires the Navy to maintain the carrier to be available for reactivation in case of an emergency."
"I have been a strong advocate for maintaining a 12-carrier fleet, along with other members from the area, and for keeping the Kennedy on active duty. In addition, I will continue our efforts to make Mayport nuclear capable so that it will be the future port for a nuclear carrier. Without nuclear capability at Mayport, our nation will have only one other carrier port on the East Coast at Norfolk, which would diminish our national security."
For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.
