The Department of the Navy has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of the proposed Navy action to provide facilities and functions to support the homebasing of 12 P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) squadrons (72 aircraft) and one fleet replacement squadron (FRS) (12 aircraft) at established maritime patrol homebases.

The DEIS was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as well as all applicable state environmental regulations. This environmental analysis was prepared to comply with NEPA. It analyzes personnel transition, new construction or renovation of structures, and all airfield operations necessary to accommodate the basing of P-8A MMA as the Navy phases its current maritime patrol aircraft, the P-3C Orion, out of service.

The P-8A MMA is being introduced to replace the aging P-3C Orion aircraft. The P-8A MMA has been specifically designed to replace the P-3C, enabling it to become the next generation Navy maritime patrol aircraft. The P-8A MMA will replace the retiring P-3C beginning no later than 2012.

Established maritime patrol homebases include Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida; NAS Whidbey Island, Washington; NAS Brunswick, Maine; and Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay. NAS Brunswick is not being considered as a potential homebase because all aircraft and supporting functions are being transferred in their entirety to NAS Jacksonville per the recommendations of the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC). In addition, maritime patrol aircraft are periodically detached to NAS North Island, California.

This website will be updated throughout the EIS process, as documents are developed and public involvement opportunities are posted. Please continue to check back frequently for new information.

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