Webb Follows Through

The debate whether to move a nuclear aircraft carrier to Mayport, FL has been consistently challenged by Virginia Senator Jim Webb, who is opposed to losing a CVN in from his home state of Norfolk. Typical political stuff right? Well, Webb's argument has been that the money could be better spent, and follows a line of thinking that strategic basing on the East Coast is not as convincing an argument as it is on the West Coast. It should also be noted that Senator Webb has supported funding to dredge Mayport to allow CVN access, which means the decision to base a CVN in Mayport will continue in the future.

The strength of Senator Webb's argument has been that the money should be used for other things, specifically Navy shipyards. It is no wonder then he is touting the decision by the GAO to investigate the funding shortages of the Navy shipyards.

The Government Accountability Office has agreed to investigate the shipyards, operated by Naval Sea Systems Command, after a July 13 request by Webb and seven other senators. The Navy confirmed in May that it had a $1.3 billion backlog in work and upgrades for its shipyards, part of broad funding problems earlier this year.

Webb and other Virginia lawmakers were concerned that if the flow of money dried up to Hampton Roads-area shipyards, the business would have to lay off their skilled employees for lack of work. After a visit Friday to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Webb said he also was worried about what he called “the yard’s aging facilities and its worn-out infrastructure.”

“The GAO’s commitment to investigate the material condition of our nation’s four naval shipyards is a necessary first step to ensure that we are allocating resources adequately and responsibly,” Webb said in an announcement. “The Navy’s four public shipyards play an essential role in enabling the fleet’s operational availability and mission success.”

While it is easy to buy into Senator Webb exercising control in this case to support his political agenda, it is very difficult to ignore that he has a good point. The GAO and CBO have been highlighting with consistency the financial problems the Navy is facing, and analysis from just about everywhere continues to point out ship depot and maintenance activities at the Navy shipyards are critical to sustaining the existing fleet to their full service lives. This goes beyond the widely reported INSURV issues, it specifically addresses problems related to dealing with unexpected damage like what happened to USS Port Royal (CG 73).

I for one would much rather see the funding for Navy shipyards shored up before worrying about whether Mayport needs a carrier. The Mayport issue is more political for both Virginia and Florida than it appears strategic from the Navy's point of view, while the shipyard funding issue is absolutely vital to sustaining the fleet.