U.S. Representative Rick Larsen issued a directive on Thursday urging Department of Defense leadership to prioritize Naval Station Everett as the primary base for upcoming U.S. Navy frigate deployments. This recommendation follows the military’s decision last year to scrap the Constellation-class frigate program, which was originally slated to bring twelve vessels and approximately 2,900 crew members to the Pacific Northwest. Had those ships arrived, an additional 3,100 personnel currently stationed at the base would have been transferred to other locations.
The cancellation of the Constellation-class project was announced in November 2025 by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, citing persistent delays and budget overruns. Subsequently, in April, the Navy awarded a $283 million contract to initiate design and preliminary fabrication for the new FF(X) frigate. A Navy representative indicated that no definitive homeport has yet been selected for these new vessels.
In his report, Larsen emphasized that the Everett naval facility remains a critical strategic asset due to its direct access to the Pacific Ocean, established local shipbuilding infrastructure, and available pier capacity. He noted that the Navy continues to require a frigate fleet and is currently evaluating a U.S. Coast Guard platform as the basis for the new class. Larsen stated that the station is prepared to accommodate this different but necessary type of warship.
The representative highlighted several regional advantages that strengthen the base’s candidacy, including the city’s recent zoning modifications aimed at expanding housing supply, the presence of multiple higher education institutions, and a robust local job market supported by entities such as Boeing and the Port of Everett. Citing the Navy’s own internal analysis from the previous homeporting decision, Larsen argued that these factors make Naval Station Everett a leading contender for future frigate assignments.
Economic data from a 2024 state-commissioned report indicates that the naval station directly supports 5,200 jobs. Additionally, the facility generates an estimated 1,500 indirect and induced jobs throughout the surrounding region.