Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) commended the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) today for recognizing the importance of the pacific theater for the future of our military force, and for acknowledging the new challenges our military will face in the future.  The QDR is released by the Department of Defense every four years.  These reviews provide a comprehensive examination of the future needs and challenges that our military will face over the next 20 years.

Larsen issued the following statement on the report:

“The 2006 QDR envisions a bright future for Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey.  That bright future holds important missions and new opportunities to secure our nation both at home and abroad.

“With a focus on the Pacific Theater region, the 2006 QDR shows that bases in the Pacific Northwest are strategically and geographically critical to the future of the military.

“The results of this QDR outline the Navy’s plans to rebalance its fleet in the direction of the Pacific - putting Naval Station Everett in a great position to grow. 

 “NAS Whidbey has emerged as a national center of electronic warfare and anti-submarine warfare operations.  These two missions will be pivotal to creating the type of military the Department of Defense wants to build in the next 20 years.

“Now is the time for Washington state to come together and fight for assets that will support our forces and expand their capabilities in the future.

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue my efforts to strengthen the communities and opportunities at NS Everett and NAS Whidbey.

Larsen represents Washington state’s 2nd Congressional District.

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