Larsen: Naval Station Everett is Ideal Homeport for Future Frigates

Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released a report outlining why Naval Station Everett (NSE) remains the ideal location for homeporting future U.S. Navy frigates. Last year, the Navy cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program, which was scheduled to homeport its first twelve ships at NSE. “NSE stands ready, willing and able to be the homeport for the Navy’s next generation of frigates,” said Rep. Larsen. “For more than 30 years, NSE has played a crucial role in keeping our country safe and protecting U.S. interests worldwide. It remains “The Sailor’s Choice,” and it should once again be the Pentagon’s choice for future ships.” Rep. Larsen’s report highlights several strategic benefits to ships homeported at NSE, including: NSE is the most modern shore installation in the U.S.; NSE offers direct access to the Pacific without the need to navigate congested waterways, tidal restrictions, bridges or other obstructions; NSE does not require regular dredging to maintain sufficient depth for Navy vessels; Puget Sound ports like NSE are about two days closer to Asia than any other U.S. mainland port; and NSE has available pier space to support new ships as the Navy expands its fleet. Rep. Larsen’s report also highlights the quality of life servicemembers and their families enjoy while stationed at NSE: Health care access at David R. Ray Branch Medical Center, Everett Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic and the Everett Vet Center; An on-base National Association for the Education of Young Children-accredited child care facility; Educational opportunities at Everett Community College, Edmonds College, WSU's Everett campus and UW’s campuses in Seattle and Bothell; and Support transitioning to the civilian workforce through WorkSource, Everett Community College and Edmonds College’s Veteran Resource Centers and Snohomish County’s Veterans Assistance Program. Rep. Larsen has long pushed to homeport more Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels at NSE. In 2019, he published “ Naval Station Everett: 'The Sailor’s Choice' Poised for the Future ,” a report which helped secure NSE as the homeport for the Constellation-class frigates. In 2015, Larsen supported homeporting three destroyers at the base . In 2012, Larsen worked to bring three destroyers to the base and in 2013, pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring frigates and bringing in the new destroyers. Rep. Larsen’s new report, “Naval Station Everett: Still the Sailor’s Choice” is available here . ###