NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has announced plans to base one aircraft carrier near Jacksonville, Fla., instead of concentrating the fleet in Virginia.
Navy Commander Anne Fischer, in a letter to Virginia and Florida congressional representatives, said that the move announced Monday is in the interests of national security, The Virginian-Pilot reported. Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter is expected to make the final decision by the end of the year.
Preparing the Mayport Naval Air Station to receive a nuclear-powered carrier would take at least six years and cost an estimated $426 million. Virginia representatives denounced it as expensive and unnecessary.
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce estimated the loss to the Norfolk area at 11,000 jobs and $650 million. Each carrier employs 3,200 sailors and civilians directly.
Virginia officials suggested that the Navy might base the George H.W. Bush in Florida. The carrier, built in Newport News, Va., is scheduled to be commissioned Jan. 10.
