Staff Report

U.S. Rep. J. Randy Forbes

will join Congresswoman Susan Davis as co-chair of the Congressional Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, a bipartisan group of 94 members of Congress whose mission is to preserve

and promote the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

&uot;It is a great privilege to chair this caucus with Congresswoman Davis, especially at a time when our sea services are so vitally important to our security,&uot; said Forbes, who represents parts of Suffolk and Chesapeake.

&uot;As a nation we have some serious decisions to make regarding the size and structure of our Navy and Marine Corps.

With many programs competing for funding in the federal budget, I see the role of the Navy/Marine Corps Caucus as a voice to remind people of the critical importance of a robust fleet, especially in today’s global political environment.&uot;

The Navy/Marine Corps Caucus is a forum to bring members of Congress together who share a common interest in the well-being of the Navy and the Marine Corps, understand the importance of sea power, and who want to make a difference in the lives of sailors, Marines, and their families.

The Caucus focuses on issues ranging from personnel and shipbuilding to aviation and land forces.

In addition, the Caucus gives members and top Navy and Marine Corps leaders an opportunity to interact in a less formal atmosphere.

Caucus members attend regularly scheduled meetings that feature guest speakers discussing the current capabilities and operations and the problems facing, the sea services.