Issue Position: Military Affairs

Issue Position

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe that it is my duty to work to improve services for our servicemembers and veterans. Over the last several years I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to increase military pay and benefits and improve the readiness of our military, which is strained by our ongoing involvement in Afghanistan. To that end, I strongly support Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the two military bases in the Second Congressional District.

Supporting Naval Station Everett & Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

Naval bases in Northwest Washington play a crucial role in keeping our country safe and protecting our interests in this crucial region. The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be vital to our economy and national security, and Naval Station Everett and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island must have sufficient resources to support troops there and protect our nation.

Naval Station Everett, aptly nicknamed "The Sailor's Choice," is home to more than 6,000 sailors and their families. Two destroyers, three frigates, one aircraft carrier, and two Coast Guard cutters are homeported at the base. By 2020, Naval Station Everett will the homeport to five destroyers, as the Navy retires it's frigate fleet. The base is the most modern in the navy and a leader in the Navy's efforts to reduce energy use -- NS Everett's new barracks is the most sustainable building in the Navy as rated by the US Green Building Council.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, located in Oak Harbor, has been a critical piece of our nation's defense for nearly 70 years. The base is home to the Navy's Electronic Attack Squadrons of EA-6B Prowlers and the new EA-18G Growlers, as well as P-3 Orion Reconnaissance Aircraft. There are over 7,800 active duty sailors and Marines based at NAS Whidbey, and more than 10,000 military retirees in the community.

The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be vital to our economy and national security. Naval bases in Northwest Washington play a crucial role in keeping our country safe and protecting our interests in this crucial region.

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