"USS Kennedy Comes Between Bush Brothers"

[H20man]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,147785,00.html

MIAMI — White House orders to retire the Jacksonville-based USS John F. Kennedy (search) have pitted Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (search) against his brother, President Bush.

The Navy carrier could be retired more than 10 years ahead of schedule as part of a six-year, $30 billion military spending cut that has been recommended to help offset the cost of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, Gov. Bush says reducing the number of carriers and leaving Mayport Naval Station (search) in Jacksonville is a bad strategic move.

"These are really national security questions and it just makes all the sense in the world to not have all your carrier capability all in one court on the East Coast," Gov. Bush said.

The USS Kennedy has a crew of nearly 5,000 and pumps nearly $200 million into the local economy every year.

"We knew this would happen eventually ... we didn't think it would be this soon," said Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton (search).

At this point, the ship's retirement is only a recommendation. A final decision is expected when Congress votes on Bush's budget later this year.

 

[Brett327]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,147785,00.html

To say that it has a crew, I.E. ships company, of 5000 is overstating things a bit. As discussed ad nauseum on another thread, the true economic impact is much less than suggested.

Brett

 

[VetteMuscle427]

Still a huge economic impact. I don't think Mayport can handle CVNs though, maybe we should upgrade it so it can?

 

[A4sForever]

The JFK is toast -- or razor blades, if you will. The Hawk is my ship! Long live the Kitty Hawk!

 

[bch]

DECOM 67!!! No more long waits in line at the gate when you have to go to work during shoe hours!

 

[Brett327]

DECOM 67!!! No more long waits in line at the gate when you have to go to work during shoe hours!

Don't worry, they'll put a gator freighter down there to replace it. Enjoy the smooth traffic while it lasts. I was in Mayport when the Sara was there too. Talk about too many shoes.

Brett

 

[bch]

Not really that big a deal, just gonna trade in the shoes for the marines when I get to K-bay in AUG

 

[A4sForever]

..... just gonna trade in the shoes for the marines when I get to K-bay in AUG

CONGRATS on making it to the "Territory" ... K-Bay is a piece of cake. See you at Buzz's on Kailua beach, bch.

ROGER Hapa Haole BALL !!

 

[bch]

sounds good

 

[thumper]

Buzz's is a good spot.

If you buy, Kailua is the way to go, IMO.

 

[Fly Navy]

God I can't wait to go back to Hawaii. My step-brother lives in Waikiki and my parents in Hawaii'Kai. If you ever do bounces at Kapolei Airport (Barber's Point), he's a controller. He's the one with the thick Boston accent.