WASHINGTON—The U.S. Navy still intends to base P-8As at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) by 2017, Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Patty Murray, announced today. Larsen and Murray received letters this week from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert confirming the intent as outlined in the 2008 Department of Defense Record of Decision. Larsen met with Greenert in October to urge the Navy to base the P-8As on Whidbey Island. Larsen and Murray also joined other members of the Washington Congressional delegation in writing a letter to Greenert with the request in September.
“The Navy’s renewed statement of intent to base the P-8As at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is great news for the Whidbey community,” Larsen said. “It is also the right decision for our national security. The P-8As will serve a vital role in our pivot to the Asia-Pacific region as a focus of security and economic interests. Whidbey Island is without a doubt the right place for these aircraft. I am going to keep the Navy’s feet to the fire to make sure they follow through on this plan so vital to Whidbey and the United States.”
“This is good for the Navy, good for our defense, and good for the region,” said Senator Murray. “Whidbey will be a great home for to the P-8As and I’m pleased the Navy has recognized the many advantages of the base.”
In his letters to Larsen and Murray, Greenert wrote, “NASWI has a long history as a model Department of Defense (DoD) installation, that is essential for Navy operations, and has a very positive impact on the local community and Pacific Northwest region.
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