In Norfolk, Virginia, there is currently a very large, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its crew that are awaiting word on their next move.

Okay, so this lede probably made this post sound more suspenseful than it really is. No, the carrier was not planning on going into combat or taking its “talents” to North Korea or the Middle East. But….it was suppose to move from Virgina to Florida due to “strategic” reasons.

That being said, the move may now be canceled due to budget concerns.

The Problem

The reason the Navy wants to move the John F. Kennedy is due to the fact that they want to disperse their fleet over a wider range along the east coast of the country. Currently, all five East Coast-based carriers are harbored in Norfolk (as pictured above). In comparison, the Navy’s West Coast-based fleet is scattered between three different seaports.

But the problem with the move is this: It will cost the navy anywhere between $258 million to $356 million to upgrade the Florida port near Jacksonivlle in order for it to accommodate the carrier. And with the recent budget cuts to the Department of Defense, the two and two make for a very dicey situation at this point.

What The Decision Hinges Upon

This sticky situation needs to be resolved soon, but there are a few key issues that need to be discussed by the Navy.

First of all, does the Navy truly need a second Eastern port to dock its carriers at? If it is a necessity to homeland security, then the need for protection should trump any expenses that will be required for the carrier move. On the other hand, that money could be spent elsewhere for other worthy causes if a second port on the east coast is not a need.

Many of those who are fighting for the carrier to stay docked in Virgina contend that the money saved by not moving the carrier can be used to build more ships and to maintain those that are in operation.

“Given the enormity of our nation’s fiscal challenges, the Navy must continue to ensure every cent is spent wisely and appropriately,” said U.S. Representative, Scott Rigell, R-Va., in a written statement that addressed the issue.

Along the lines of Rigell’s statement, and secondly, what about the jobs that will be lost in Virgina if the carrier moves? Not only that, but millions of dollars in revenue will be lost by the state as well if the carrier does indeed move homes.

This leads us to another interesting part of this whole equation – the 2012 Presidential elections.

Florida and Virgina Are Always Key Battleground States

With the next presidential election fast approaching, can presidential candidates use this dilemma in their favor, or as a way to thwart their opponent?

Some political pundits think so. Since Florida and Virgina will yet again be key battleground states for the Republican candidate and Pres. Barack Obama, either one of these men may try and support one side of the argument or the other in order to gain votes in one of the states.

If this does occur, whichever side has the support of the President or Republican candidate – either those who are for the carrier move, or those who are against the move – will most certainly gain an upper hand in the controversy.

The Waiting Game

Only time will tell if a new carrier port is built in Florida or not.

If it does happen, there will be a lot of happy people in Florida and a lot of angry Virginians. Vice versa, if the move does not go forth as planned, the opposite will most definitely be true.