Summary of HRES 572

Bill Number: HRES 572

Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, should remain a critical component of the future carrier-based strike fighter capability of the Navy and receive F-35C squadrons as part of the modernization strategy of the Navy.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: July 10, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 572 expresses the sentiment of the House of Representatives regarding the strategic importance of Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The resolution emphasizes the need for NAS Oceana to play a vital role in the Navy's future carrier-based strike fighter capabilities, specifically by receiving F-35C Lightning II squadrons as part of the Navy's modernization efforts.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several key provisions:

1. Dual-Coast Basing Strategy:

   • The Secretary of the Navy is urged to maintain a dual-coast basing strategy for F-35C squadrons. This approach aims to support global naval operations while ensuring redundancy, responsiveness, and readiness.

2. Designation of NAS Oceana:

   • NAS Oceana is recommended to be designated as a recipient of F-35C squadrons within the Navy's strike fighter modernization plan.

3. Implementation Plan:

   • The Secretary of the Navy is tasked with providing Congress a detailed timeline and implementation plan for the integration of F-35C squadrons at NAS Oceana. This plan should include necessary military construction, training pipelines, and transition support.

4. Avoiding Disproportionate Consolidation:

   • The resolution calls for the Secretary of the Navy to ensure that future military construction and programmatic decisions do not lead to an excessive consolidation of resources on the west coast, which could undermine the operational flexibility and strategic value of aviation infrastructure on the east coast.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:

• Naval Operations: The Navy's operational capabilities, particularly concerning carrier-based strike fighter missions.
• NAS Oceana: The personnel, infrastructure, and community surrounding NAS Oceana, which would see increased activity and investment.
• Congress: As the resolution requires reporting and accountability from the Secretary of the Navy, it directly involves congressional oversight.

Legislative Actions

• July 10, 2025: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services and submitted in the House.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Robert J. Wittman (cosponsor)

Conclusion

HRES 572 serves as a formal expression of the House of Representatives regarding the strategic importance of NAS Oceana in the Navy's modernization efforts. By advocating for the integration of F-35C squadrons and emphasizing a balanced approach to military resource allocation, the resolution aims to enhance the Navy's operational readiness and flexibility in both coastal regions.