Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today announced that the Navy is relocating Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) from Rota, Spain to Whidbey Island. The move is effective September 30, 2005.

“This is great news for the Oak Harbor community and its economy. This move will further cement Naval Air Station Whidbey Island as a central hub of Navy aviation reconnaissance missions,” Larsen said.

“We welcome these folks with open arms to a beautiful, safe, and friendly community that is eager to greet them in person,” Larsen offered.

The Navy’s announcement shows that the squadron includes 90 officers (average salary $115,582) and 408 enlisted personnel (average salary $57,279).

“The move will provide a $33,772,212 salary infusion into Oak Harbor and Island County,” Larsen said. “I will work hard to make sure that we are supporting our schools and our communities as they absorb these new residents and students.”

Since coming to Congress, Larsen has helped lead the effort to improve funding for schools in military communities such as Oak Harbor. The federal funding is called Impact Aid and is given to school districts with a high military or tribal presence.

The move comes as part of the Department of Defense’s transformation of forces in Europe. VQ-2’s move will allow it to operate with its sister squadron, VQ-1, currently stationed at Whidbey.

On May 13, 2005, the Department of Defense issued its list of recommended bases to close and realign. It did not recommend closure for NAS Whidbey and, instead, showed Whidbey gaining military and civilian personnel.

“As the BRAC process continues, this is more evidence that the Navy sees the exceptional military value that NAS Whidbey offers,” Larsen pointed out. “The Department of Defense clearly wants to build on that military value.”

The BRAC Commission is reviewing and analyzing the Secretary’s findings and must report its conclusions by September 8, 2005.

Larsen serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.