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Room for More Ships at Mayport

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080428-13
Release Date: 4/28/2008 3:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Regina L. Brown, Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) hearing concerning the homeporting of additional surface ships at Naval Station Mayport was held for the general public at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Deerwood Campus, April 16.

"We hope the public gets an idea of the proposed actions we're talking about and what the alternatives involve," said Mark Drussia, DEIS project manager.
"We're looking for their comments and their feedback on any issues that we might have missed."

The hearings were preceded by a two-hour information session where subject matter experts answered questions and explained the 12 action alternatives and the non-action alternative. During the hearing, attendees were permitted time to voice their concerns or in some cases, their support.

"What's good for Naval Station Mayport is good for us," said Nancy Chojn, a teacher at Finnegan Elementary School, located next to Mayport. "The Navy is a big part of Jacksonville and Duval County as a whole. We want the military to know that this school supports them."

All action alternatives ensure the efficient use of Mayport ship facilities and continue to support the fleet operational requirements.

The results of physical, biological and environmental analysis are furnished in the Mayport DEIS, with no preferred alternative identified at this time. The 12 action alternatives propose the integration and/or addition of various types of ships including amphibious assault ships, amphibious transport dock ships, dock landing ships and a nuclear powered aircraft carrier.

"I think we've proven that a carrier feels right at home here in Mayport," said Capt. Aaron Bowman, Naval Station Mayport commanding officer. "All the feedback [on homeporting more ships] I've received has been positive."

The final EIS is scheduled to be released in late November.

For more news from Naval Station Mayport, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsmayport/.