(Washington, DC) - With regard to the Navy’s decision to recommend home porting a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Mayport Naval Station, Congresswoman Corrine Brown made the following statement:

“This is great news for the city of Jacksonville and the entire region.  For the residents of the state of Florida, and particularly those that reside in our North East community, this will serve not only as a tremendous boost for Mayport and Navy presence in our state, but also serve as an economic stimulus for the local economy. 

Logistically, according to the Navy, their decision to keep a nuclear carrier at Mayport was one of 13 options they were considering as a way to maintain a dispersed carrier fleet.  The final decision, which should be made official by the Navy Secretary just after December 21st, will bring an additional 3,190 military personnel to our area and a spike in economic development.   The Navy said it expects such a move would be completed within the next five years.

To reiterate, I am more than pleased that the U.S. Navy has decided to recommend placing two nuclear carrier bases on our country’s East Coast.  This is a decision that will tremendously augment our nation’s national security, and Jacksonville is a perfect place to assist the Navy in this endeavor.”

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