(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Brown today made the following statement after Secretary of Defense Robert Gates committed to dredging portions of the St. Johns River in order to make the Mayport Naval Station a viable option for naval ships in the event of emergency.

"Today's commitment by Secretary Gates represents a huge victory not only for the First Coast community, but also for the brave men and women of the U.S. Navy, whose vulnerability to attack is decreased by avoiding consolidation of carriers in any single location.  The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 highlighted the danger associated with docking large naval fleets in only one location.  I am thrilled that the Department of Defense has decided to take advantage of the Jacksonville port in order to increase the safety of our men and women in uniform."

"I want to reiterate my previous statements that this is not a Democratic or Republican issue.  Maintaining a dispersed naval fleet is in the best interest of the country, so I am happy to work across the aisle with all Members of Congress to advance this important project."

"I look forward to joining all members of the First Coast community in celebrating the opening of Mayport to all navy ships."

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