The Navy is upholding its commitment to Naval Station Everett as it announces the three destroyers that will be homeported there, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02,  and Senator Patty Murray said today. The Navy announced it will base the USS Kidd, USS Gridley and USS Sampson in Everett. The destroyers will replace frigates that were recently decommissioned, and they are all scheduled to arrive throughout 2016.

“The Navy’s announcement today is great news for the Everett community and for Northwest Washington. Naval Station Everett plays a crucial role in keeping our country safe and protecting our interests worldwide. Homeporting these three destroyers in Everett shows the Navy’s ongoing commitment to the base as a critical component of our country’s Asia-Pacific security strategy,” Rep. Larsen said. “Not only is the base in a strategically important location, but its facilities are among the best the Navy has to offer. Naval Station Everett is aptly nicknamed ‘The Sailor’s Choice,’ as local officials and leaders in the community have worked together to support sailors and their families stationed in Everett. I look forward to welcoming the destroyers to our community and letting its sailors and families know they are welcome and supported here in Everett.”

“I’m thrilled to see the U.S. Navy take such a concrete step toward bolstering its defense strategy while solidifying its commitment to Everett and the surrounding communities.  Naval Station Everett is the backbone of the local economy, and over the past several years, my office has been in close contact with the Navy specifically to ensure its continued investment in this community,” Sen. Murray said. “This is another good example of why I am proud to have broken through the gridlock and dysfunction to reach a bipartisan budget deal that restored investments in defense priorities and gave the Navy the flexibility to make decisions like this that benefit Naval Station Everett and Washington state communities.”

Larsen has long pushed to ensure the Navy maintains a strong presence in Everett, and he worked to bring the three destroyers to the base. He also pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring the frigates and bringing in the destroyers.

The destroyers are versatile ships with technology that enables them to carry out missions in a variety of domains, including surface, underwater, air, space, and cyber.

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