Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today regarding the Navy’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement addressing the introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft to the U.S. Navy Fleet. The Supplemental EIS indicates the Navy’s preferred alternative is to replace the three existing P-3C squadrons at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island with six P-8A squadrons by 2020.

The Supplemental EIS addresses potential environmental issues that may result from basing the six P-8A squadrons at Whidbey Island and includes public input provided in 2013.

“Completion of the Supplemental EIS is another important step in the process of bringing the P-8As to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and an additional indicator of the Navy’s commitment to the base. I am pleased the community was able to provide input to the Navy as it considers the potential environmental effects of the transition.

“I have long advocated bringing the P-8As to Whidbey Island because of the advantages for national security and the stability for the base. While the decision is not yet final, the Navy’s preference to house six squadrons at Whidbey Island furthers the base’s role as a preeminent maritime, patrol, electronic warfare and surveillance site in the Pacific,” Larsen said.

The Navy will now undergo a 30-day waiting period, after which the Assistant Secretary of the Navy will sign a Record of Decision.

A copy of the Supplemental EIS is available here and at local libraries.

Oak Harbor City Library

1000 SE Regatta Drive

Oak Harbor

Anacortes Public Library

1220 10th Street

Anacortes

La Conner Regional Library

614 Morris Street

La Conner

Coupeville Public Library

788 NW Alexander Street

Coupeville

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