Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today after the U.S. Navy announced that the USS Nimitz will remain homeported in Bremerton until two ship maintenance periods are completed.

“While I am deeply disappointed in the Navy’s decision not to homeport the USS Nimitz at Naval Station Everett again until 2019, I remain as committed as ever to the base and its sailors and families.

“Naval Station Everett is a strategically situated deep water port that offers the Navy unique and valuable access to the Pacific Ocean, a critical asset as our country increasingly engages in the Asia-Pacific region. The base also provides sailors and their families with a high quality of life, which led to its nickname of ‘the Sailor’s Choice.’

“Throughout my time in Congress I have worked hard to strengthen the base, and I will continue my efforts with leaders in our local communities and in the Navy to ensure Naval Station Everett remains one of our country’s preeminent naval assets for our carrier fleet,” Larsen said.

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