According to various news agencies, the Secretary of the Navy has signed a formal recommendation to move one of the Navy's aircraft carriers from Norfolk, Virginia to Mayport, Florida. Reportedly, the Secretary feels that having a carrier homeported in Florida will help protect the fleet against terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Many points can be argued against this move, including the fact that throughout history Norfolk has been sheltered from hurricanes by the shape of the coastline, while Florida has sustained many direct hits. As an example, look at the Air Force's closing of Homestead AFB in Florida rather than repair the hurricane damage it incurred. But the factor that concerns me the most is that it will take an estimated $1 Million to upgrade Mayport's base to accomodate the carrier.
I personally feel that, in the midst of the current economic crisis, there are much better things to do with our tax dollars than to spend them frivolously for redundant military port facilities.
To read a statement released by the Navy and the response of many of Virginia's elected officials, click here http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9676605
I hope that somebody in the Department of the Navy or Congress comes to their senses before wasting a million dollars of our hard-earned money on this project.
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