December 11, 2008
Press Office - Press Releases


Defense


Print this page
Print this page


Crenshaw Joins Community in Welcoming the Navy’s 4th Fleet to Mayport


April 24, 2008


(Washington, DC) In a huge victory for the greater Jacksonville area, today the Navy announced that the 4th Fleet will be homeported at Mayport Naval Station.  Congressman Ander Crenshaw lauded the announcement saying, “Today, we mark yet another major win for the community as we welcome the Navy’s 4th Fleet to Mayport and to the greater Jacksonville area.  This announcement is another in a string of recent military developments that reflect the continued growth and potential of Jacksonville’s military expansion.”

Earlier in the week, the Navy made another major announcement, stating that Northrop Grumman had received the contract for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System (BAMS UAV), further ensuring NAS Jax’s status as the centerpiece of the Navy’s maritime surveillance community.

“This decision further confirms the concept that I have been saying for the past five years, that Latin America and the Caribbean is a crucial region that has the hotspots in the region that pose a threat to our national security,” said Crenshaw.   

Naval Station Mayport is the closest naval base to the Caribbean and Latin America, and the Navy’s decision to stand up the 4th Fleet and to make Mayport its home is seen as recognition to rising regional threats.  In a recent exchange between Rep. Crenshaw and Admiral James Stavridis, Commander of the US Southern Command, during a Congressional hearing, Mayport’s strategic element was highlighted.  Stavridis said, “There is no substitute for location.” 

By combining a numbered fleet with an operational command, this announcement gives SOUTHCOM a seat at the Navy’s table when it comes to requesting resources, training, and manning.

Congressman Crenshaw applauded the announcement’s impact on the community, saying, “Jacksonville’s status as one of the premier military locations in the country continues to be recognized and celebrated.  Between Tuesday’s and today’s announcements, it has been a very good week for the Jacksonville area.”

 
###

Contact: Jeremy Steffens  (202) 225-2501





April 2008 Press Releases



horizontal rule