MAYPORT, Fla. — The spotlight was on Naval Station Mayport on Monday afternoon as Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, toured the USS Iwo Jima, getting a firsthand look at the ship's role in national security.
Rubio's visit marks Mayport's growing role as a strategic military hub.
At least six more ships are expected to arrive in Mayport over the next few years. It's clear that the U.S. Navy views the port as one of its most important locations. But Rubio said he would still like to see an aircraft carrier based there.
Rubio got the chance to tour the USS Iwo Jima, speak with the ship's captain and even have lunch with the sailors on board.
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The Iwo Jima is the lead ship of three that are in the amphibious ready group, all of which are stationed in Mayport.
Rubio was also briefed on the new class of ships that are coming to Mayport: the littoral combat ships.
Rubio said getting these ships continues to put Mayport on the map strategically when it comes to depending on the port to respond to national security threats, but he says he still wants a carrier at Mayport.
"Those are things we want to have happen here. Ultimately, the goal is to have an aircraft carrier group here as well a nuclear aircraft carrier group, and we will continue to achieve that," Rubio said.
The first littoral combat ship to arrive is the USS Little Rock, which arrives next year, and five more will follow. On top of that, the base is constructing a new building that will house employees who will serve as support for the sailors aboard the littoral combat ships.
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