[CPEO-MEF] Lawmaker worries Navy already made jet decision

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Virginia
Lawmaker worries Navy already made jet decision
By JACK DORSEY AND DALE EISMAN , The Virginian-Pilot
© February 10, 2003

U.S. Rep. Ed Schrock says he is troubled by signs that the Navy has
decided to shift part of its East Coast fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornets
from Oceana Naval Air Station to a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.
Schrock said he ``is not going to be a happy camper'' if he learns that
the top brass agreed to the transfer without informing Congress and
before completing an environmental study required by federal law.
Schrock, a Republican, represents the 2nd District, which includes
Virginia Beach, home to Oceana.

 Schrock and the rest of the Hampton Roads congressional delegation are
lobbying for placement of 10 fleet squadrons and one training squadron
of Super Hornets at Oceana. Anti-noise activists in Virginia Beach want
at least two squadrons shifted to other, more remote facilities.

The environmental study is scheduled to be completed this spring. A
draft released last year said the Navy's ``preferred alternative'' is to
base up to four squadrons at the Marine air station in Cherry Point,
N.C., with the rest to be housed at Oceana.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.pilotonline.com/military/ml0120f18.html

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