Lawmakers: Navy to homeport newest aircraft carrier in Va.

NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia's congressional delegation says the Navy has agreed to homeport its newest aircraft carrier in Norfolk.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is under construction in Newport News. It is the numerical replacement for the USS Enterprise, which was also based in Norfolk. The Ford is expected to join the fleet in 2016, bringing the total number of U.S. aircraft carriers back up to 11.

In a joint statement, lawmakers said designating Norfolk at the ship's homeport would temporarily boost the region's economy. That's because the USS Abraham Lincoln isn't expected to return to the West Coast until its overhaul is completed in 2018. Each ship is manned by thousands of sailors.

The statement also says the Navy has agreed to homeport four amphibious ships in Virginia Beach through 2020.

In Other News

Vets advocates push Supreme Court to dump laws punishing homelessness

A case being considered by the Supreme Court could have far-reaching impact on efforts to help homeless veterans.

Special Forces soldiers in NW Florida still awaiting child care center

A decision on whether Special Forces families will get a child development center at Camp "Bull" Simons, Florida, may arrive in the coming weeks.

Former USS Howard CO was fired after ‘racially harassing comments’

The Navy relieved Cmdr. Cameron Dennis in February, just a few months after he assumed command of the Japan-based warship.

MacArthur still endures as a larger-than-life figure — for good or ill

Few subjects in military history are more loaded than public perception of Douglas MacArthur.

US Naval Community College launches health science program

The Navy’s community college is partnering with Western Governors University to provide sailors with an associate degree in health science.

Load More