USS Gettysburg deployment delayed

The USS Gettysburg, set to deploy from Naval Station Mayport this Friday, will remain in port.

The US Navy asked the Naval Secretary to approve the postponement because of “budget uncertainty” resulting from the looming sequestration cuts and other budget cuts.  Delaying the deployment will allow the Navy to keep the ships ready to deploy for national security concerns on short notice, according to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary.

The USS Harry S. Truman was also scheduled to deploy from Norfolk, VA Friday, but has been delayed as well.

The Pentagon says there will continue to bed a “robust military presence” in the region in order to fulfill the US’s enduring commitments to its partners.

Approximately 5,000 sailors and marines are affected by the delay.