Sen. Webb's assessment
of Navy proposal

NORFOLK, Va. - Shipbuilders, Sailors and civilians got a good look at the Navy's newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier a few weeks ago. The George H.W. Bush was towed from Northrop Gumman Shipbuilding in Newport News to Naval Station Norfolk. The question now: where will the ship go after Saturday's commissioning.

There's still some work to be done on the Bush, but Virginia lawmakers are concerned the carrier could move to Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. Thursday, Senator Jim Webb issued a critical assessment of the Navy's proposal.

Webb has 2nd District Congressman Glenn Nye's support.

"Senator Webb is absolutely correct in his assessment," said Nye.

The 24 page report outlines four major flaws.

One: "There is no indication the Navy conducted a formal intelligence based threat survivability analysis that specifically addressed force dispersal."

Two: "There is no economic logic to the Navy's proposal for Mayport."

"It clearly doesn't make sense to spend a billion dollars to outfit a new port for a nuclear aircraft carrier when the Navy is already looking at a 4.6 billion dollar shortfall for this year," said Congressman Nye.

Three: "The environmental assessment was legally insufficient and technically flawed."

"We're at a time of political turnover in Washington it just doesn't make sense to rush this," said Nye.

Four: "The move would cause Sailors and their families added hardships."

The Navy has not issued its final record of decision.

All that, coupled with remaining work on the Bush buys Virginia lawmakers some time as they make their case to keep all of the carriers here.

"We have a process that we need to work through to discuss the best place to locate this ship," said Congressman Nye.

The Navy has said it can't comment on the George H.W Bush until the ship is commissioned.