Senator Martinez questioned Defense Secretary Roberts Gates on a number of issues before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Martinez underscored the importance of the Navy’s decision to designate Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport as a homeport for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN). Earlier this month, the Navy determined that homeporting a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport reduces risk to fleet resources in the event of a natural disaster, manmade calamity, or attack by foreign nations or terrorists.