PLEASED THAT NAVAL AIR STATION JAX AND MAYPORT WOULD BE EXPANDED

Washington, May 13, 2005 - "The recommendation of the Department of Defense released today clearly recognizes the military value of Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS JAX) and Naval Station Mayport," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-6).  "This is good news for our area --while the process is designed to close or realign military bases, these facilities are set to expand their operations under this report.  Not only does this reflect the critical importance of these facilities to our national defense, it also takes into account the strong support our area provides to our military."

"I also want to thank my colleagues in the area for joining me in informing Secretary Rumsfeld of the important role of the Naval Depot Jacksonville (NADEP JAX) in making our forces combat ready," added Stearns.  Stearns and other members of the Florida delegation outlined several examples of critical work conducted by NADEP JAX personnel.  In recognition of its critical role, NADEP JAX will not be impacted by this recommendation.

"Under the recommendation of the Department of Defense, NAS JAX will gain 2,025 new jobs (1902 military, 65 civilian and 58 contractor), and Mayport will gain 410 jobs (397 military and 13 civilian)," explained Stearns.  "As a whole, Florida gains 2,757 jobs.  The NAS JAX gain is attributed mostly to the relocation of the aircraft and dedicated personnel, equipment and support from Naval Air Station Brunswick, ME, which was realigned to a Naval Air Facility.  The Mayport gain is attributed to the closure of Naval Station Pascagoula, MS.  Its ships along with dedicated personnel, equipment, and support are being relocated to Mayport.  Also, it relocates the ship intermediate repair function to Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Mayport."

In addition, Jacksonville International Airport Air Guard Station gains from the closing of Otis Air National Guard Base, MA. The 102nd Fighter wing's F-15s will be partially distributed to the 125the Fighter Wing at Jacksonville Airport.