Last modified Wed., November 19, 2008 - 03:50 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 20, 2008

NS Mayport Goes Nuclear

From Department of Navy

USS John F Kennedy (CV 67) makes her final transit into her homeport at Naval Station Mayport after a successful underway and farewell port visit to Boston, Mass. Kennedy is scheduled to decommission March 23rd, 2007 in Mayport Fla. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan (RELEASED)
File photo

As part of an environmental impact statement (EIS), the Navy announced Monday its "preferred alternative" is to homeport a single nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN) at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport, Fla.

The EIS examined potential consequences of constructing and operating facilities and infrastructure associated with homeporting additional surface ships at NAVSTA Mayport.The EIS evaluated resources in the Mayport area that may be affected by the proposed action, such as air and water quality, biological resources, marine mammals and threatened or endangered species, land use, cultural resources, and socioeconomics.The EIS also accounted for cumulative impacts from other activities in the Mayport area.

After consultation with the public, key individuals and numerous organizations, the Navy considered 275 official comments while assessing 13 EIS alternatives.Ultimately, the Navy concluded that homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport would increase operational readiness while affording the necessary environmental protections.

The last Navy aircraft carrier to be homeported in Mayport was the conventionally powered USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), which was decommissioned in 2007.

Mayport stands ready to support this decision and we welcome this great opportunity," said Captain Aaron Bowman, Naval Station Mayport Commanding Officer. "Effective utilization of Mayport helps the fleet to optimize access to naval training ranges and ensures effective support of fleet operational requirements through efficient use of waterfront and shore side facilities.

The Navy's preferred alternative involves homeporting one CVN and associated infrastructure modifications.These include dredging, infrastructure and wharf improvements, and construction of CVN nuclear propulsion plant maintenance facilities. Homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport reduces risk to fleet resources in the event of a natural disaster, manmade calamity, or attack by foreign nations or terrorists.This includes risks to aircraft carriers, industrial support facilities, and the people that operate and maintain these crucial assets.

A Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Impact Statement will be published to the Federal Register Friday, Nov, 21.The Record of Decision is expected in late December.

Additional information about the EIS for the proposed homeporting of additional surface ships at NAVSTA Mayport is available online at /http://www.mayporthomeportingeis.com.Media are asked to direct queries to Navy public affairs at 703-697-5342.