Says NAS Whidbey Island Still Central Part of Navy Mission

Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), released the following statement on the Navy’s decision to make Jacksonville and Hawaii the first two homes of the initial P8-A squadrons.

“Uniformed leadership of the Navy at the highest level has decided that Jacksonville and Hawaii will be the first two homes of the initial P8-A squadrons. It is still possible that NAS Whidbey Island will be home to P8-A squadrons in the future.

“The US Navy leadership believes that it needs the P8-A squadrons as far forward in the Pacific as possible. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I appreciate the strategy behind this decision but I will demand the full justification behind it.

“This was a difficult decision for the Navy. I am not happy about it.

“Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is an ideal location for the Navy to send aircraft to as the men and women who are stationed on Whidbey Island enjoy a high quality of life, access to good training ranges, a low cost of living, and tremendous support from the surrounding community.

“NAS Whidbey Island will remain critical to the U.S. Navy as the center of electronic attack, home of the Navy Growlers, as well as the potential future homes of P-8As and the replacement platform for the EP-3 squadrons.

“Northwest Washington will continue to be an essential region for the US Navy as the Navy has committed to keeping a carrier in Everett, expanding the Growler program at Whidbey, and considering future opportunities for P8-A squadrons to come to NAS Whidbey.”

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