Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he was not surprised when Virginia's governor and congressional delegation balked at the Pentagon's plans to close Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, VA.
"I think their concerns over the potential loss of jobs . . . are absolutely valid," Gates told reporters Aug. 12 while traveling. "And we're going to work very hard to limit the implications and to mitigate whatever consequences there are. This is a planning process that will go forward. Nothing is going to happen immediately, or in the very near future. So I think we have some time to work through this. But I think their concerns about jobs for their constituents are completely legitimate."
Gates announced Monday that the command would be eliminated within a year, prompting swift and strong condemnations from Virginia lawmakers who have vowed to fight the move. He also said Virginia might benefit from additional shipbuilding money should his proposed reforms work as hoped.