by Hugh Lessig, Daily Press

The U.S. Navy announced Monday that it wants to base an aircraft carrier in Florida, a move that could send shock waves through the region’s economy.

One Florida lawmaker called the move “a done deal,” but Virginia lawmakers from both parties vowed to continue the fight.

Norfolk is home to the only four carriers now operating on the East Coast, and the prospect of moving one would cost Virginia thousands of jobs. One economic official likened it to the closing of the Ford Motor Co. plant in Norfolk in 2007.

Another possibility for a Florida move is the George H.W. Bush, which is scheduled to be commissioned in January.

The Navy justifies the decision partly because it wants to disperse the fleet, given the possibility of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

The Hampton Roads congressional delegation received word Monday of the proposed move to the Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville. It comes on the heels of an environmental impact study.

Any move would be about five years away. Mayport would need extensive work to accommodate a nuclear-powered carrier, including dredging, wharf improvement and nuclear propulsion maintenance facilities. That work wouldn’t take place until 2014.

An environmental-impact study that provides more detail on the subject will be available to the public on Friday. A final decision from the Navy is expected in December.

The Navy has not specified a carrier, but Virginia’s top political leaders quickly weighed in with their concerns.

“We question the wisdom and timing of an option that will cost the Navy an incredible amount of money and not significantly improve the nation’s security,” Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said.

Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-Chesapeake, also expressed his disappointment.

“Moving a carrier to Mayport will require a great deal of time and upwards of half a billion dollars,” he said. The decision “not only lacks strong national security rationale … but brings into question the political nature of the decision-making process, creating significant challenges for the Navy to meet its stated priorities.”

Democratic Sen.-elect Mark R. Warner said the expenses incurred at Mayport are only one drawback.

“In addition, the fighter jets that will serve on the carrier already are based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach,” he said, “and are therefore in a better position to train with the carrier if it is homeported in Norfolk.”

Sens. Jim Webb, D-Va., and John Warner, R-Va., in a joint statement said: “This is not an announcement that is supported by either economic logic or strategic necessity. Given the extraordinary financial crisis facing our nation today … the announcement enters the realm of fiscal irresponsibility.”

Democratic 2nd District Rep.-elect Glenn Nye said he is “extremely disappointed with today’s news,” saying the government would undertake a needless expense and uproot “thousands of military families.”

Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Norfolk, whom Nye will replace in January, added: “I strongly disagree with the Navy’s decision. … This is not the time for the Navy to spend what they estimate to be $500 million on duplicative infrastructure which President-elect Obama has already said he is not inclined to support.”

Frank Roberts, executive director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, questioned the fiscal soundness of the decision. Taxpayers would shell out hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade Mayport when “excess infrastructure exists in Norfolk,” he said.

“From an economic standpoint, it just doesn’t appear to be sound economic policy,” Roberts said.

In a statement, the Navy said dispersing the fleet “reduces risks to fleet resources in the event of natural disaster, manmade calamity or attack by foreign nations or terrorists.”

Roberts questioned that rationale.

“On any given day, 50 percent, plus or minus, of the entire Navy fleet is out of their home port,” he said. “They’re at sea, training, or they are deployed.”

The last Navy aircraft carrier based in Mayport was the conventionally powered USS John F. Kennedy, which was decommissioned in 2007.

The loss of a carrier would equate to a major plant shutdown, said E. Dana Dickens III, president and chief executive of the Hampton Roads Partnership.

“It would be a very similar impact to losing the Ford plant,” he said. “You think about an aircraft carrier with about 6,000 people aboard, not counting spouses.

“It’s essentially a small town. It has everything a small town would have on it. From taxis to groceries to doctors and housing, it has an impact on every part of the economy in Hampton Roads.”

In Florida, political leaders rejoiced at the news.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., told The Associated Press that the move would bring 5,000 sailors, pilots and families to the Jacksonville area, a major boost to that region’s economy.

“It’s a done deal,” Nelson told the AP.

“This is tremendous news for Florida and a testament to the importance of Mayport,” said Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla. “It is vital that our nation maintain more than one substantial naval base on the East Coast.”

Back in Hampton Roads, Roberts questioned whether this represents the final word.

“The budgeting process to support this has not been undertaken yet,” he said. “The new administration will have to wrestle with some tough budget issues.”

Kaine is a close friend and political ally of President-elect Barack Obama, the incoming commander-in-chief. It raises the possibility that Kaine could prove to be an effective lobbyist.

“He’s going to do what he can,” said Kaine spokesman Gordon Hickey. “Obviously, he knows the president-elect.”

Mass exodus?
5,000-plus Number of sailors who could move away from Hampton Roads if a carrier is relocated

Virginia vs. Florida “It’s a done deal.” — Florida Sen. Bill Nelson

“This is tremendous news for Florida.” — Florida Sen. Mel Martinez

“This announcement is not supported by economic logic or strategic necessity.” — Virginia Sens. Jim Webb and John Warner

“This is not the time for the Navy to spend what they estimate to be $500 million on duplicative infrastructure which President-elect Obama has already said he is not inclined to support.” — Rep. Thelma Drake