Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent the following letter to the Missile Defense Agency, expressing his views on the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) Radar Vessel Maintenance and Repair Environmental Assessment. The SBX is currently based in Adak, AK.  The Missile Defense Agency must conduct maintenance on the SBX’s propulsion system in order to keep the vessel operational.  Naval Station Everett is one of three deep-water West Coast ports that are equipped to handle this maintenance, and the Missile Defense Agency and the Navy are conducting an environmental assessment to determine where this maintenance should take place.

The text of the letter follows:

Mr. David Hasley
Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineer
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command

Dear Mr. Hasley:

I am writing to express my views on the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) Radar Vessel Maintenance and Repair Environmental Assessment.

I recognize that the SBX is vital to our national security, and that certain maintenance to this platform can only be performed at three deepwater facilities in the U.S.  Further, SBX maintenance will provide a significant economic boost at a time when our economy is struggling and unemployment remains high.  

However, Naval Station Everett was planned and built to support nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and surface combatants, and community members have raised meritorious concerns regarding the SBX’s effect on the environment and the core missions of the base.  I believe that SBX maintenance should only be performed at Everett if the following conditions are met:

• The time period for maintenance should be limited in nature;
• The SBX radar should not be operational while under maintenance;
• The maintenance period should not interfere with Naval Station Everett’s core missions or limit existing ships’ access to piers;
• The US Navy and Missile Defense Agency should conduct a thorough community outreach effort in order to understand fully the community’s views and concerns;
• Under no circumstance should Naval Station Everett be considered as a permanent homeport for SBX.

Thank you for your consideration of my views.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen