Navy Hosting Public Meetings For Next Gen Frigates Coming to Everett

As we reported in June, 2021, Everett was designated as the Navy’s future homeport for up to 12 next generation of guided missile frigates (Constellation-class). The first ship wouldn’t arrive until 2028, but personnel and facilities would arrive in 2026.

Artist rendering of Constellation-class frigate, FFG 62

As part of the environmental assessment process, the Navy is inviting the public to attend open house format meetings (no presentation) where attendees will be able to attend information and share their comments.

Meeting information: Hotel Indigo, Harbor Ballroom, 1028 13th Street, Everett, WA 98201 on either Tuesday, February 27 from 5-7 pm or Wednesday, February 28 from 2-4 pm.

Further background:

Under the Proposed Action, the Navy would homeport up to 12 Constellation-class frigates; construct training and support facilities for ships, commands, and crews; and station approximately 2,900 military personnel, plus their family members. The Navy would phase in homeported ships over a 10-year time period, with personnel arriving and facilities established beginning no earlier than fiscal year 2026 and arrival of the first Constellation-class frigate no earlier than fiscal year 2028.

Homeporting of ships and personnel would occur incrementally as some existing homeported ships and personnel depart Naval Station Everett.  By 2037, there would be up to 12 frigates with approximately 2,900 personnel and two U.S. Coast Guard vessels for an overall net increase from 12 to 14 ships homeported, and in the end, the number of personnel stationed at Everett would remain relatively consistent.

The Draft EA is available on the Navy’s website, and at local libraries: Everett Public Library (2702 Hoyt Ave., Everett, WA 98201) and Everett Public Library-Evergreen Branch (9512 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98204).

he Navy is accepting written comments on the Draft EA during the 30-day public comment period from February 9 through March 11, 2024. Comments may be submitted at the open house, electronically via the project website or by mail to:

FFG EA Project Manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic
Attn: Code EV21JB
6506 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23508.

All comments must be received or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. PDT on March 11, 2024 to be considered in the development of the Final Environmental Assessment.