Why is Snohomish County’s entire federal delegation fighting for Naval Station Everett to get the FF(X) frigate homeport? Because Naval Station Everett is a $340-million-a-year engine for the north Snohomish County economy today, and the FF(X) decision is the difference between that number growing meaningfully over the next decade or being capped at current levels — which, in base-realignment terms, eventually means risk. Rep. Rick Larsen, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Patty Murray, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and Economic Alliance Snohomish County are all public, aligned, and specific about what they want: the FF(X) homeport, on the same infrastructure and Pacific-access grounds that won Everett the Constellation-class assignment in 2021.

The $340 Million Figure — What It Actually Covers

Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s public estimate is that Naval Station Everett generates approximately $340 million in annual regional economic activity. That figure is built from three layers:

• Direct payroll: Active-duty sailor pay, civilian federal employee pay, and on-base contractor pay. Roughly 6,000 personnel total.
• Base contracting: Ship maintenance contracts, facilities services, food service, and supply purchases that flow through local vendors.
• Multiplier effects: Housing spending, retail, childcare, medical services, schools, and small-business demand generated by Navy families living in north Snohomish County.

When officials talk about Everett’s frigate future, this is the number at stake.

What the Constellation Cancellation Cost the County

Twelve Constellation-class frigates were supposed to arrive in Everett between 2026 and 2028, bringing approximately 2,900 additional personnel plus dependents. That’s the growth trajectory Economic Alliance Snohomish County had been modeling: roughly a 50% increase in active-duty population, a proportional bump in economic activity, and the pier and infrastructure investment that comes with preparing a base for a new class. On November 25, 2025, all of that was cancelled when Secretary Phelan pulled the plug on the program.

The December 19, 2025 FF(X) announcement is Plan B. A replacement class — Legend-class cutter-based, first launched in 2028, with homeports still to be decided — offers Everett a path back to growth, but on a longer timeline and at a smaller per-hull population than Constellation would have delivered.

The Coalition — Who’s Lobbying and Why It Matters

Snohomish County’s FF(X) lobbying coalition is unusually unified for a federal military basing decision:

• Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett) is ranking member of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee — the committee with direct jurisdiction over surface combatant basing, homeporting directives, and military construction funding. That’s the single most consequential seat in Congress for this fight.
• Sen. Maria Cantwell sits on Senate Commerce and has long championed Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Navy workforce issues.
• Sen. Patty Murray chairs Senate Appropriations — if FY2027 Navy MilCon funding for Everett pier upgrades is needed, it flows through her committee.
• County Executive Dave Somers carries the local-government economic development pitch, the existing-infrastructure argument, and the political cover for any base-access or transportation investment the county would need to contribute.
• Economic Alliance Snohomish County is the private-sector backbone, aligning the Chamber, aerospace suppliers, healthcare networks, and education institutions behind the homeport case.

Why Everett’s Infrastructure Case Still Holds

The arguments that won Everett the Constellation homeport assignment in 2021 have not changed for FF(X):

• Deepwater Pacific access. Direct egress without an Intracoastal or Atlantic transit — matters for Pacific Fleet forward-deployment pacing.
• Existing pier inventory. Everett’s own piers plus access to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for dry-dock availabilities.
• Housing headroom. Navy Housing Northwest inventory and the broader Snohomish County market can absorb additional personnel at the FF(X) scale without the pressure San Diego or Pearl Harbor would face.
• Workforce continuity. A labor market already tuned to Navy work, augmented by IAM 751-level manufacturing depth at Boeing Everett.

The Growth Math If Everett Wins FF(X)

A twelve-ship FF(X) homeport at approximately 140 sailors per hull — versus Constellation’s 200-plus — produces a growth curve smaller than the Constellation plan but still meaningful. Roughly 1,700 additional active-duty personnel, plus dependents, plus support commands. On the $340M baseline, a frigate-class homeport win should add a low-nine-figure annual economic impact increment by the mid-2030s once the class is fully operational at Everett.

The Downside Risk If Everett Doesn’t Win

If the FF(X) class is homeported elsewhere — likely San Diego or a new Pacific Fleet site — Naval Station Everett’s near-term footprint is stable but its growth story is effectively closed for the rest of the decade. In military basing terms, a static base is a vulnerable base when future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) rounds eventually occur. Every five-to-ten years, the politics of federal military consolidation put smaller homeports on the defensive. Winning FF(X) doesn’t make Everett BRAC-proof, but losing it meaningfully shortens the runway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Naval Station Everett worth to Snohomish County’s economy right now?

Economic Alliance Snohomish County estimates the base generates approximately $340 million in annual regional economic activity through payroll, base contracting, and multiplier effects on housing, retail, schools, and medical services.

What was Snohomish County supposed to gain from the Constellation-class frigates?

Twelve Constellation-class frigates would have brought approximately 2,900 additional personnel plus dependents to Naval Station Everett between 2026 and 2028, growing the base’s population by roughly 50% and delivering a proportional bump to the $340M annual economic impact figure.

How many sailors would FF(X) bring compared to Constellation?

FF(X) is planned for about 140 sailors per hull versus Constellation’s 200-plus. A twelve-ship FF(X) class would bring roughly 1,700 active-duty personnel, compared to Constellation’s planned 2,900 — a smaller population bump, but still a meaningful growth story.

Why is Rep. Rick Larsen’s HASC Seapower seat the most important piece of this?

The House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee has direct jurisdiction over surface combatant basing, homeport directives, and Navy MilCon funding. As ranking member, Larsen is positioned to shape the committee’s language on FF(X) homeport decisions — a lever no other member of Washington’s delegation holds.

Could Naval Station Everett be closed if it doesn’t win FF(X)?

Not in the near term. Everett’s current five-ship footprint is stable through the decade. However, losing the FF(X) growth story caps the base at current levels and, over the longer horizon of future BRAC rounds, increases vulnerability to consolidation decisions. That’s the strategic argument underneath the lobbying effort.

When will the FF(X) homeport decision be announced?

Homeport announcements typically precede lead-hull launch by 12–18 months. With first FF(X) launch targeted for 2028, the homeport decision window is approximately 2026–2027. FY2027 Navy budget language, released in early 2026, may contain early signals.

Related Exploring Everett Coverage

• The FF(X) Frigate and Naval Station Everett: The Complete 2026 Guide
• Snohomish County’s $340M Fight: How Local Leaders Are Responding
• NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide

If you’re a Navy family at Naval Station Everett, what does the FF(X) frigate announcement actually change for your life? Short version: nothing in the next 24 months, and potentially a lot in the next decade. The twelve Constellation-class frigates that were going to reshape Everett’s base population between 2026 and 2028 are cancelled. The replacement program — FF(X), based on the Coast Guard’s Legend-class cutter — won’t see its first hull launched until 2028, with homeports announced sometime between 2026 and 2027 and first operational arrivals in the early 2030s. If you’re PCSing to Everett this summer, Everett is still a five-ship homeport with roughly 6,000 personnel. If you’re thinking about what it means to buy here, put kids in Mukilteo schools, or build a second career in Everett — the longer horizon matters.

What’s Staying the Same for Navy Families at NAVSTA Everett

The three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently homeported at Naval Station Everett, including USS Gridley, are not affected by the Constellation cancellation or the FF(X) decision. The five-ship current footprint — destroyers plus supporting ships and commands — is stable through the rest of the decade. Base housing at Navy Housing Northwest, on-base childcare, the Navy Exchange, the commissary, and all family-support services run out of Fleet and Family Support Center Everett continue to operate at current capacity.

For a family receiving PCS orders to Everett in 2026 or 2027, the base experience you’re moving into is the one current Everett families know: a mid-size Pacific Fleet homeport with roughly 6,000 uniformed and civilian personnel, strong ties to Mukilteo and Everett school districts, and the same commute patterns to on-base work.

What Changes If Everett Wins the FF(X) Homeport

If Rep. Rick Larsen’s ongoing lobbying effort succeeds and Naval Station Everett is named the FF(X) homeport, the growth arrives in three waves:

• Early 2030s: First FF(X) hulls begin arriving. Twelve-ship class at ~140 sailors per hull means approximately 1,700 additional active-duty personnel over the arrival period, plus dependents — roughly 1,000 more school-age children and 1,500 more household moves through the local housing market.
• Pier and infrastructure work: Shore power upgrades, additional berthing capacity, and expanded dry-dock utilization at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for mid-life availabilities. This is multi-year construction that starts before the first hull arrives.
• Support command growth: Frigate training detachments, maintenance liaison teams, and expanded logistics commands typically follow a new class assignment.

The Smaller Crew Size Actually Matters

The Constellation class was designed for 200-plus sailors per hull. FF(X) is currently planned for about 140. For Navy families, that’s a 30% reduction in the per-ship footprint. If you assumed Everett would get a Constellation-scale population bump, the FF(X) class delivers something closer to two-thirds of that story. Housing pressure on Mukilteo, Marysville, and south Everett neighborhoods would be meaningfully less than the 2021–2024 projections suggested. Schools would absorb fewer new students per class arrival. The base’s baseline six-ship-plus operational footprint would still grow, just not as sharply.

What to Watch If You’re PCSing to Everett

The FF(X) homeport decision is the single biggest open variable for Everett Navy family planning over the next 24 months. Three signals to track:

• FY2027 Navy budget (released early 2026): Homeport language, if included, will name candidate bases for pier-upgrade funding. If Everett appears in Navy Military Construction line items, the assignment is likely moving in Everett’s direction.
• Pier infrastructure RFPs: NAVFAC Northwest issues construction solicitations when new class arrivals are being prepared for. Watch SAM.gov for Everett-pier work.
• Rep. Larsen’s HASC Seapower Subcommittee markups: As ranking member, Larsen’s committee language on FF(X) homeport directives is public and frequently explicit about candidate bases.

Housing and Schools in the Meantime

Everett’s housing market in April 2026 shows a median home price near $577,000, a Snohomish County median closer to $730,000, and three distinct price-band submarkets that behave very differently. For Navy families using VA loans or looking at Basic Allowance for Housing trade-offs, the under-$750K band in Everett proper is still the most accessible entry point on the commute radius.

School choice remains centered on Mukilteo School District (for families living on or near base), Everett Public Schools (for Rucker Hill, Bayside, and downtown-adjacent neighborhoods), and Marysville School District for families north of the base. The Mukilteo district’s Navy-family concentration is reflected in extensive on-base liaison programming at Fleet and Family Support Center Everett.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ships currently at Naval Station Everett going away?

No. The three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (including USS Gridley) and supporting ships currently homeported at NAVSTA Everett are stable for the rest of the decade. The Constellation cancellation and FF(X) announcement affect only the planned addition of new frigate hulls, not the existing fleet.

Will my PCS to Everett in 2026 or 2027 be affected by the FF(X) decision?

No. The FF(X) class has not been built yet. First hull launches in 2028, first operational arrival at a homeport is targeted for the early 2030s. Any PCS to Everett in the next several years lands you at a base with today’s footprint.

If Everett wins the FF(X) assignment, how many more Navy families would move to the area?

A twelve-ship FF(X) class at approximately 140 sailors per hull would bring roughly 1,700 additional active-duty personnel to Naval Station Everett over the arrival period, plus dependents. That’s smaller than the 2,900 personnel the Constellation class would have delivered, which means housing and school impact would also be meaningfully smaller.

When will we know if NAVSTA Everett is getting the FF(X) homeport?

The Navy typically announces homeports 12–18 months before lead-hull launch. With first FF(X) launch targeted for 2028, homeport announcements are expected in the 2026–2027 window. FY2027 Navy budget documents released in early 2026 may include early signals.

Who can help me navigate what all this means for my family’s planning?

Fleet and Family Support Center Everett is the primary on-base resource for PCS planning, spouse employment, childcare, and school liaison. For ombudsman contact through your sailor’s command, check the CNIC NAVSTA Everett page. For VA claims help post-separation, Snohomish County Veterans Assistance at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue and the Everett Vet Center remain the key access points — see our NAVSTA Everett VA claims help guide for the current landscape.

Should I buy a house in Everett or wait to see what happens with FF(X)?

For a decision horizon shorter than five years, FF(X) should not drive your housing choice — first arrivals are early-2030s at earliest, and the class’s smaller per-hull crew means the housing-market effect will be gradual rather than a step-change. Base your decision on current Everett market conditions, your BAH, and your family’s fit with Mukilteo vs. Everett vs. Marysville school districts.

Related Exploring Everett Coverage for Navy Families

• PCS to NAVSTA Everett: A 2026 Housing Guide for Navy Families
• The 2026 NAVSTA Everett Guide to VA Claims Help After the Vet Center Change
• USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

Is Naval Station Everett still getting new frigates? Not yet. The twelve Constellation-class frigates originally assigned to Everett are gone — Secretary of the Navy John Phelan cancelled the program on November 25, 2025. On December 19, 2025, the Navy announced a replacement class called FF(X) based on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Legend-class National Security Cutter, with the lead ship to be built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi and launched in 2028. The Navy has not announced homeports for the FF(X). Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett) and Snohomish County officials are actively lobbying Navy leadership to assign the new class to Everett on the same Pacific-access grounds that won the Constellation assignment in 2021.

Why Everett’s Frigate Future Matters Right Now

Naval Station Everett is home to roughly 6,000 active-duty sailors and civilians across five ships and supporting commands. Economic Alliance Snohomish County has consistently pegged the base’s annual economic impact at approximately $340 million. For four years, that number was supposed to climb. Twelve Constellation-class guided-missile frigates were scheduled to arrive in Everett between 2026 and 2028, bringing an estimated 2,900 additional personnel, new pier work, and a generational reset for the base.

Then the Constellation program collapsed. Cost overruns, schedule slips, and a design that had diverged too far from its FREMM parent hull led the Navy to pull the plug in late November 2025. By December 19, Secretary Phelan and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle had announced the replacement: a new class called FF(X), based on a design the Coast Guard has been operating successfully for nearly two decades.

What the FF(X) Actually Is

The FF(X) is a roughly 4,000-ton surface combatant based on HII’s Legend-class National Security Cutter — the 418-foot platform the Coast Guard uses for its largest cutters. The Navy’s version will keep the proven hull and propulsion but add combat systems sized for a frigate mission: likely a vertical launch system, upgraded radar, and a raised platform over the open boat deck for containerized mission packages. Crew size is planned at about 140 sailors, substantially smaller than the 200-plus Constellation-class complement.

The first FF(X) will be built at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi — the same yard that builds the Legend-class cutters. Additional builders will be added through competition, which matters because the Navy wants production rates higher than any single yard can sustain. The first ship is expected to be launched in 2028. Homeports have not been announced.

Everett’s Case — And Why It’s Still Strong

Naval Station Everett won the original Constellation-class homeport assignment in 2021 for reasons that have not changed: deepwater access, direct Pacific egress without an Intracoastal run, existing family-housing inventory at Navy Region Northwest, and the backbone of support commands already stood up in Puget Sound. The pier infrastructure improvements that were planned for the Constellation arrival — shore power upgrades, expanded dry-dock access at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and berthing capacity at Everett’s own piers — are still needed for any frigate class the Pacific Fleet wants to forward-deploy.

Rep. Rick Larsen, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee and the congressman representing Everett, has been explicit about his ask: homeport the FF(X) class at Naval Station Everett. The argument is infrastructure readiness plus strategic geography. If the Navy wants FF(X) hulls operating in the Western Pacific quickly, Everett is the least friction-heavy option on the West Coast. San Diego is already saturated. Pearl Harbor is stretched. Everett has pier room, housing headroom, and a workforce already trained on frigate-adjacent platforms.

What Changed Between Constellation and FF(X)

Three things shifted that matter for Everett:

• Smaller crews. Constellation-class was designed for 200-plus sailors per ship. FF(X) is currently planned for about 140. If the same twelve-ship end strength is preserved, that reduces the Everett population bump from roughly 2,900 to closer to 2,000 personnel and dependents — still a meaningful number for Everett housing and schools, but materially smaller.
• Later first delivery. Constellation’s first hull was supposed to arrive at Everett in 2026. FF(X) first launch is targeted for 2028, with first operational deployment and homeport assignment several years beyond that. Everett’s frigate economic bump, if won, is a late-2020s story, not an immediate one.
• A different builder geography. Constellation was a Marinette, Wisconsin hull. FF(X) is Pascagoula. For Snohomish County’s aerospace-adjacent defense suppliers, that shifts some of the maintenance and sustainment opportunity structure — the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard work for mid-life availabilities becomes more important than builder-yard proximity.

The Snohomish County $340M Economic Argument

Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s public messaging during the Constellation cancellation campaign centered on a consistent figure: Naval Station Everett generates approximately $340 million in annual regional economic activity. That includes direct payroll, base contracting, and the multiplier effect on housing, retail, schools, and medical services in north Snohomish County. A frigate homeport assignment would grow that number. Losing the assignment permanently — with no FF(X) replacement — would cap it at current levels and risk future base-realignment vulnerability.

That economic case is the throughline of the current lobbying push. Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Larsen, and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers have all been publicly aligned on Everett’s candidacy for the FF(X) homeport.

The Timeline — What to Watch

• 2026: FF(X) detailed design work at Ingalls; Navy budget documents may begin naming candidate homeports.
• 2027: Construction of lead hull begins. Pier-infrastructure RFPs at potential homeports start clarifying which bases are being seriously considered.
• 2028: Lead FF(X) launched at Pascagoula. Homeport announcements typically precede launch by 12–18 months, so the homeport decision window for the first hull is roughly 2026–2027.
• Early 2030s: First operational deployment and arrival at homeport.

What Everett Loses If It Doesn’t Win FF(X)

The existing five-ship footprint at NAVSTA Everett — three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Gridley and her sister destroyers and support ships — is stable for the rest of the decade. Nothing in the FF(X) decision threatens the base’s current assignments. What’s at stake is the growth story: additional hulls, additional sailors, the pier improvements that were already scoped for Constellation, and the political durability that comes from being a growing homeport rather than a static one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Navy cancel the Constellation-class frigates Everett was supposed to receive?

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class program on November 25, 2025. The twelve ships originally planned for Naval Station Everett will not be built.

What is the FF(X) frigate?

The FF(X) is the Navy’s replacement frigate class, announced December 19, 2025. It is based on Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Legend-class National Security Cutter — the same 418-foot, 4,000-ton design the U.S. Coast Guard operates. The first ship is to be built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi and launched in 2028.

Will Naval Station Everett get the FF(X) frigates?

The Navy has not announced homeports for the FF(X) class. Rep. Rick Larsen, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Patty Murray, and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers are publicly lobbying for Naval Station Everett to receive the assignment, citing the same Pacific-access and infrastructure arguments that won Everett the Constellation homeport in 2021.

How many sailors would FF(X) bring to Everett if the base is selected?

If the Navy holds to a twelve-ship assignment and a crew size of roughly 140 per hull, the FF(X) fleet would bring approximately 1,700–2,000 sailors plus dependents to Naval Station Everett — smaller than the 2,900 personnel the Constellation program would have delivered, but still a material increase over today’s footprint.

When could the first FF(X) frigate arrive at Naval Station Everett?

Based on the December 2025 Navy timeline, the first FF(X) hull is targeted for launch in 2028. Homeport assignment typically occurs 12–18 months before launch, and first operational arrival at a homeport happens 1–2 years after commissioning. Realistically, the earliest an FF(X) would arrive at Naval Station Everett — assuming Everett wins the assignment — is the early 2030s.

What is Naval Station Everett’s current economic impact on Snohomish County?

Economic Alliance Snohomish County estimates Naval Station Everett generates approximately $340 million in annual regional economic activity, supporting roughly 6,000 active-duty sailors and civilians and their dependents across the north Snohomish County economy.

Which Navy ships are currently homeported at Naval Station Everett?

Naval Station Everett currently homeports three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including USS Gridley, plus supporting ships and commands. The five-ship current footprint is stable for the rest of the decade and is not affected by the FF(X) homeport decision.

Who is lobbying for Naval Station Everett to get the FF(X) homeport assignment?

The public Everett coalition includes Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett), ranking member of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee; Sen. Maria Cantwell; Sen. Patty Murray; Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers; and Economic Alliance Snohomish County. The lobbying focuses on Pacific-access geography, existing pier and housing infrastructure, and the readiness of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for maintenance availabilities.

Related Exploring Everett Coverage

• What the Navy’s New FF(X) Frigate Means for Naval Station Everett — the source briefing for this guide
• NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide
• USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families
• Getting VA Claims Help in Snohomish County in 2026

Q: When does the Jetty Island ferry open in 2026?
A: The Jetty Island passenger ferry runs July 8 through September 6, 2026, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required and cost $4 per person Wed-Thu and $7 Fri-Sun. Children 2 and under ride free. The ferry departs from Jetty Landing at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive in Everett.

Jetty Island Ferry Returns July 8: Your Complete 2026 Guide to Everett’s Best Free Beach

Mark July 8 on the calendar. That’s the day the Jetty Island ferry season officially starts in 2026, and that’s the day Everett’s two-mile-long sandy island park becomes accessible again to anyone who can get to the marina. The ferry runs through September 6 — exactly two months of the only beach in Western Washington that actually feels like a beach.

If you’ve never made the trip, here’s the short version: Jetty Island is a man-made, two-mile-long sandbar just off the Port of Everett, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. There’s warm water on the inner shoreline (the channel side warms up in the summer sun), wind for kiteboarders on the outer shoreline, miles of walking, and almost no infrastructure. Bring what you need, take what you brought. That’s the deal.

The 2026 Ferry Schedule

The passenger ferry runs Wednesday through Sunday from July 8 through September 6, 2026. Operating hours by day:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 10 AM to 5:45 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 6:45 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM to 5:45 PM
• Monday and Tuesday: No ferry service

The ferry departs from Jetty Landing, which is right next to the boat launch at the corner of 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive in Everett. There’s parking near the launch, but on a hot weekend in August it fills up fast. Get there early or be prepared to walk a few blocks.

Reservations Are Required (Yes, Even on Weekdays)

This is the part that trips up first-timers. You cannot just show up. All ferry rides require advance reservations through the Port of Everett’s reservation system. Walk-up tickets are not sold at the dock.

Pricing for 2026:

• Wednesday-Thursday: $4 per person
• Friday-Sunday: $7 per person
• Children 2 and under: Free

Applicable taxes and a small booking fee apply at checkout. Reservations open up at portofeverett.com — and for prime weekend slots in July and August, they go fast. If you know you want to be there a particular weekend, book it the moment the schedule goes live.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Jetty Island is intentionally left rustic. There are no concessions. There is no drinking water. There are vault toilets and that’s it. Pack:

• Water — more than you think you need. Two miles of beach in August sun without shade is a long day.
• Sunscreen and a hat — there is genuinely zero shade on most of the island.
• Snacks/lunch — and a trash bag. Pack out what you pack in.
• Wind layer — even on hot days the outer beach gets a steady afternoon wind off the Sound.
• Beach toys, a kite, or a paddleboard — the channel side is calm and warm enough for all-day water play.

Pets are allowed, but they need to stay on leash. There’s no lifeguard service. Watch the tide schedule — at extreme low tides the channel between the mainland and the island gets shallow enough to expose long stretches of mudflat, which is fascinating to look at and miserable to walk through.

Why the Ferry Closes Early on Hot Days

This is the one operational quirk to plan around. When the island reaches maximum capacity — which happens on hot weekends in late July and August — the ferry can stop running new round-trips early. The return ferries still operate to bring everyone back, but if you show up at 2 PM on a 90-degree Saturday and the ferry is paused, your reservation may not get you across. Earlier is better.

Inclement weather can also cancel ferry service. The Port posts updates on the day-of through their site and social channels.

The Things People Don’t Realize About Jetty Island

The water is actually warm. The channel side, sheltered from the Sound, gets shallow and sun-heated through the day. Kids can wade for hours. It’s the warmest swimming water you’ll find anywhere in Snohomish County.

It’s a kiteboarding hotspot. The outer shoreline catches a consistent westerly afternoon wind in summer, and the local kiteboarding community treats Jetty as one of the best spots in the region. If you’ve ever wanted to watch the sport up close, head to the south end of the island in the late afternoon.

The bird life is wild. Jetty is on the Pacific Flyway and is a Snohomish County designated wildlife area. Bald eagles, herons, oystercatchers — bring binoculars if you’re into that.

You can paddle there. If the ferry is full or you’ve got your own kayak or paddleboard, the channel from the marina is short, calm, and well within reach for a casual paddler. Bring a leash for your board and a PFD.

Getting to Jetty Landing

Jetty Landing is at 1700 W. Marine View Drive, right next to the Port of Everett’s 10th Street boat launch. From I-5, take exit 193 (Pacific Avenue) and head west until Marine View Drive, then turn north. The boat launch parking lot is signed.

Everett Transit’s Route 7 stops within about a half-mile walk if you’d rather not deal with parking. On weekends the bike racks at Jetty Landing fill up too, which tells you something about who knows what they’re doing.

What to Do After the Beach

Coming back from a Jetty day around 5 or 6 PM puts you right at the Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place — which has the best dinner options in the area and is about a five-minute walk from where you’ll dock. Tapped Public House, Rustic Cork, and the new Sound to Summit taproom on the south side of the marina are all right there. The Net Shed Fish Market & Kitchen is another great option for a casual dinner with a view.

Make a day of it: ferry over for a morning swim, beach lunch, kite-watching afternoon, then dinner on the waterfront when you get back. That’s an Everett summer Saturday done right.

The Big Picture: Jetty Days 2026

The Port of Everett’s Jetty Island Days programming runs alongside the ferry season July 8 – September 6, with naturalists, environmental education programs, and family activities scheduled throughout. The full programming calendar typically goes live in mid-June. Watch portofeverett.com for the schedule.

This is a free island park (the only cost is the ferry ride). It is a genuinely unusual asset for a city the size of Everett. And once you’ve been once, you’ll find a reason to go back every summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Jetty Island ferry open in 2026?
July 8, 2026.

When does the ferry season end?
September 6, 2026.

How much is the ferry?
$4 per person Wednesday-Thursday, $7 per person Friday-Sunday. Children 2 and under ride free.

Where do I make ferry reservations?
Through portofeverett.com. Reservations are required — there are no walk-up tickets.

Where does the ferry leave from?
Jetty Landing at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive in Everett, next to the Port of Everett boat launch.

What days does the ferry run?
Wednesday through Sunday. No ferry service Monday or Tuesday.

Can I bring my dog to Jetty Island?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be on leash.

Is there food on Jetty Island?
No — bring your own food, water, and pack out all trash.

Can I kayak or paddleboard to Jetty Island?
Yes. The channel from the marina is short and calm in good weather. Wear a PFD and use a board leash.

Are there bathrooms on the island?
Yes, vault toilets only. No running water.

Can the ferry be canceled?
Yes, the ferry may close due to weather or when the island reaches maximum capacity on busy days. Check portofeverett.com for day-of updates.

Q: Is Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?
A: Yes — Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller is scheduled to make a rehab start for the Everett AquaSox on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:05 PM PT at Funko Field. He’s working back from a spring training oblique injury and his fastball has already touched 98 mph during his Tacoma Rainiers rehab outing on April 18.

Bryce Miller Is Pitching at Funko Field Friday Night — And the AquaSox Are Quietly Putting Together a Pretty Good Homestand

Two pieces of good news from down at Everett Memorial Stadium this week, and they line up perfectly. The AquaSox just took the series opener from the Spokane Indians 5-2 on Tuesday night behind a vintage Taylor Dollard pitching line. And on Friday night, the headliner: Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller is starting his rehab assignment for Everett, with first pitch at 7:05 PM at Funko Field.

If you’ve been on the fence about which game in this six-game homestand to grab tickets for, the schedule just answered the question for you.

Bryce Miller’s Rehab Start: What to Know

Mariners EVP Justin Hollander confirmed Miller’s Friday rehab assignment with the AquaSox earlier this week. The 27-year-old right-hander is working his way back from an oblique injury sustained in spring training. He made his first rehab outing on Saturday, April 18 with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers — 1.2 innings, two strikeouts, one walk, three runs on four hits, but more importantly, his fastball touched over 98 mph. The arm is fine. The body just needs reps.

Friday night is his second rehab outing, this time at the High-A level. The reason for moving him down to Everett rather than keeping him in Tacoma: the AquaSox affiliate gives him a chance to get reacclimated to PNW pitching conditions before bumping him back up. His rehab assignment will continue to fluctuate between the Rainiers and AquaSox until he’s ready for a Mariners rotation slot.

For Everett fans, this is the rare night where you can watch a current major-league starter on the mound at Funko Field. Miller has been with Seattle since 2023, holds a career 24-21 record with a 4.01 ERA, and his best season came in 2024 when he went 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA across 31 starts. He also pitched for Everett in 2022 — 3-3 record, 3.24 ERA across 15 starts — so this is a homecoming of sorts.

Tickets for Friday night are available through AquaSox.com, the MiLB app, or by calling the AquaSox Front Office at 425-258-3673. Expect a crowd.

The Series Opener: Taylor Dollard Was Filthy

Tuesday night the AquaSox got the kind of starting pitching performance they’ve been waiting on all season. Right-hander Taylor Dollard — who’d been working through some early-season struggles — fired five shutout innings, allowed just two hits, struck out seven, and walked one. It was his best start of 2026 and the kind of outing that resets a season.

“He definitely set the tone with really good momentum throughout that game,” manager Ryan Scott said after the win.

Dollard himself was characteristically measured: “The process is right, and we’re kind of getting there. Baby steps.”

The bullpen kept the shutout intact. Wyatt Lunsford-Shenkman threw one hitless inning with two strikeouts. Christian Little added two scoreless frames and three more strikeouts. Closer Brock Moore allowed a two-run homer to Spokane’s Jacob Humphrey in the ninth but locked down the save.

The Offense Is Finally Showing Up Late

The AquaSox played five scoreless innings on Tuesday before catcher Josh Caron pushed across the first run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Then they exploded for four in the eighth — sparked by walks, RBI hits from Luke Stevenson and Axel Sanchez, a Curtis Washington Jr. sacrifice bunt, and a Luis Suisbel sac fly.

And here’s the trend worth tracking: the AquaSox have now scored 16 runs in the eighth inning over their last six games. Whatever they’re doing in the dugout between innings six and eight is working. They’re 8-8 on the season and heating up at the right time.

The Rest of the Homestand

The Spokane series runs through Sunday. Here’s what’s left:

• Wednesday, April 22: Game 2 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT — Student Discount Night, GESA Credit Union Military Pride Offer, Tulalip Bingo & Slots Baseball Bingo
• Thursday, April 23: Game 3 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT
• Friday, April 24: Game 4 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT — Bryce Miller rehab start, Fireworks Night
• Saturday, April 25: Game 5 vs Spokane, 7:05 PM PT
• Sunday, April 26: Game 6 vs Spokane, 1:05 PM PT

Friday is the headliner, but Saturday’s a 7:05 PM PT start with the weekend energy at Funko Field, and Sunday’s afternoon game closes the series — a good fit for families who don’t want to be out late on a school night.

Spokane Has Been Tougher Than Their Record Looks

The Indians come into this series at 6-10 but they’ve been competitive game-by-game. Their April 5 walk-off 10-9 win over Everett earlier this season was one of the wilder games of the High-A West season so far. Tuesday’s Jacob Humphrey ninth-inning homer kept the comeback flame alive even in defeat. The High-A West has been chaotic top to bottom this April, and any series with Spokane has the potential to swing on a single inning.

Prospect Watch on the Roster

The four Mariners prospects to keep your eye on this homestand:

• Luke Stevenson — Catcher, opening to do real damage. Had the RBI double in the eighth inning Tuesday.
• Felnin Celesten — The shortstop the Mariners signed for $4.7 million in 2023. Premium tools, still finding his rhythm at High-A.
• Lazaro Montes — Big-bodied corner outfielder with massive raw power. The kind of prospect Funko Field crowds notice immediately.
• Colton Shaw — Right-hander who already had a standout 6IP/7K/0BB performance in the home opening series two weeks ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Bryce Miller pitching for the AquaSox?
First pitch is 7:05 PM PT on Friday, April 24 at Funko Field (Everett Memorial Stadium).

How long will Miller pitch?
Rehab outings typically build pitch count gradually — expect Miller in the 50-65 pitch range Friday based on his Tacoma outing length and his place in the rehab schedule.

Who won the AquaSox-Spokane series opener?
Everett won 5-2 on Tuesday, April 21. Taylor Dollard threw five shutout innings with seven strikeouts.

What was Taylor Dollard’s pitching line?
5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. His best start of 2026.

Where are tickets for the AquaSox?
AquaSox.com, the MiLB app, or call the AquaSox Front Office at 425-258-3673.

What’s the AquaSox record this season?
8-8 after Tuesday’s win.

Are there fireworks Friday night?
Yes — Friday, April 24 is fireworks night at Funko Field.

Who else is on the AquaSox roster worth watching?
Luke Stevenson (C), Felnin Celesten (SS), Lazaro Montes (OF), and Colton Shaw (RHP) are the headline Mariners prospects on the current roster.

What is Bryce Miller coming back from?
An oblique injury sustained during 2026 spring training.

How fast is Miller throwing?
His fastball touched 98+ mph in his April 18 Tacoma rehab outing.

Q: When is Silvertips WCF Game 1 vs the Penticton Vees?
A: Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Final is Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Game 2 follows Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT, also in Everett. Everett enters the series 7-0 in the playoffs after sweeping past Tri-City and dispatching Kelowna 4-1 in Round 2.

Silvertips Open the Western Conference Final at Home Thursday Night — Here’s Everything You Need Before Puck Drop

This is the part of the playoff run where Everett gets to find out exactly how good it is. The Silvertips are perfect through two rounds. The Penticton Vees just punched the last ticket to the Western Conference Final after eliminating Prince George in six. The two best teams in the WHL’s Western Conference start their series Thursday night in Everett — and if you’ve been waiting for a reason to get to Angel of the Winds Arena this spring, this is it.

Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM PT. Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT. Both at home. The series then shifts to Penticton for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday. If a Game 5 is needed, it comes back to Everett.

How Everett Got Here

The Silvertips finished the regular season with 117 points on a 57-8-2-1 record — the franchise’s best regular-season showing in 12 years. Then they swept Tri-City. Then they took out Kelowna in five games, with Landon DuPont’s overtime winner 29 seconds into OT closing out Game 5. They’re 7-0 in the postseason.

Through those seven games, they’ve outscored opponents 40-9. That isn’t a typo. The defense has been a brick wall and the offense has been opportunistic when it needs to be — and a sledgehammer when it doesn’t.

The Goalie Matchup Is the Story

Anders Miller has been ridiculous. His .948 save percentage in this postseason is the best in WHL history for any goaltender with nine or more playoff games. His goals-against average sits at 1.55 — the league lead. He held Kelowna to one goal in Game 5 with 30 saves on 31 shots. He’s the most important reason Everett is here.

Penticton’s AJ Reyelts is no slouch either. He’s posted a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save percentage in the playoffs. And the part that should make Silvertips fans pay attention: Reyelts went 1-1-1-0 with a .929 save percentage against Everett in the regular season. He has seen these guys, and he has shut them down before.

The Players to Watch

For Everett, the names you already know are doing what they do. Landon DuPont leads all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 13 points (3G, 10A) — and his shot from the point is the kind of weapon that decides series. Matias Vanhanen has 14 points (7G, 7A) and has been Everett’s most consistent forward in the postseason. Carter Bear has 10 playoff goals and a habit of scoring shorthanded when the team needs it most. Julius Miettinen has eight playoff goals — second most in the entire postseason — and he’s also a Seattle Kraken prospect, which means there are NHL eyes on every shift.

For Penticton, the load is being carried by Jacob Kvasnicka (13 points, 7G, 6A), Ryden Evers (11 points), and Louie Wehmann (11 points). Kvasnicka, notably, is the only Vees skater drafted by an NHL club. Evers is also a Seattle Kraken prospect, so Saturday and Thursday nights are essentially a Kraken pipeline showcase between the two benches.

The Regular-Season History Gives the Vees a Little Hope

This isn’t a series Penticton should walk into terrified. The two teams played four times in the regular season. Everett won the season series 3-1, but the one Vees win was a 7-0 road shutout that handed the Silvertips their first regulation loss after Everett opened the year 10-0-1. The teams scored 15 goals each across the four meetings.

So Penticton has both proof of concept and proof of vulnerability — they know what it looks like when the Silvertips lose, because they’re the ones who made it happen.

What’s at Stake

The winner of this series goes to the WHL Championship — the Ed Chynoweth Cup Final — and from there to the Memorial Cup. Everett hasn’t been to a Conference Final since the 2017-18 season. They haven’t won a league championship since 2017. The pieces are all in place this year, and the bracket has set up about as cleanly as a top seed could ask for.

For the Vees, this is their first WHL Conference Final since making the jump from junior A to the WHL. A team that didn’t even exist at this level a few years ago is now two series away from a Memorial Cup berth.

Getting to the Game

Doors at Angel of the Winds Arena open about an hour before puck drop. The arena is at 2000 Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett, with paid garage parking next door and street parking around the perimeter. Tickets for Game 1 and Game 2 are still available through the Silvertips’ official site and Ticketmaster as of Wednesday night, though lower-bowl options are getting thin for Game 2.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to come back to a Silvertips game, this is it. The team hasn’t been this good in over a decade. The arena is going to be loud. And the Western Conference Final only happens here every few seasons — when it does, you don’t miss it.

The Full Series Schedule

• Game 1: Thursday, April 23 — Penticton at Everett, 7:05 PM PT, Angel of the Winds Arena
• Game 2: Saturday, April 25 — Penticton at Everett, 6:30 PM PT, Angel of the Winds Arena
• Game 3: Monday, April 27 — Everett at Penticton
• Game 4: Tuesday, April 28 — Everett at Penticton
• Game 5 (if necessary): Friday, May 1 — Penticton at Everett
• Game 6 (if necessary): Sunday, May 3 — Everett at Penticton
• Game 7 (if necessary): Tuesday, May 5 — Penticton at Everett

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is Game 1?
Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through everettsilvertips.com and Ticketmaster. Lower-bowl seats for Game 2 are getting limited — check early.

Who are the Penticton Vees?
The Vees are a relatively new WHL franchise that made the jump from junior A. They beat Prince George in six games to advance to the Western Conference Final.

What is Anders Miller’s playoff save percentage?
.948 — the highest save percentage in WHL playoff history for a goaltender with nine or more games played.

Who leads the Silvertips in playoff scoring?
Matias Vanhanen leads with 14 points (7G, 7A). Landon DuPont leads all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 13 points.

Can the Silvertips win the Memorial Cup this year?
They have to win this series first, then the WHL Championship, but they enter the Conference Final as the strongest team statistically in the entire CHL postseason.

When was the last time Everett made the Western Conference Final?
The 2017-18 season. The last WHL Championship was 2017.

Is there a Game 5 in Everett?
Yes, if the series is tied or close after Game 4. Game 5 would be Friday, May 1 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

What is the FF(X) frigate and does Everett still have a shot at it? The FF(X) is the Navy’s replacement frigate class, unveiled by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan on December 19, 2025, after the Constellation-class program was cancelled. It will be based on HII’s Legend-class National Security Cutter design and built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, with additional yards to be added through competition. The Navy has not announced homeports for the new class. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett) is lobbying Navy leadership to route the new frigates to Naval Station Everett, citing the same Pacific access that won Everett the original Constellation assignment in 2021.

What the Navy’s New FF(X) Frigate Means for Naval Station Everett

For four years, Naval Station Everett’s growth story was tied to one class of ship: the Constellation-class guided-missile frigate. Twelve of them were supposed to arrive between 2026 and 2028, bringing an estimated 2,900 sailors and civilian personnel with them and cementing Everett’s status as the Pacific Northwest’s frigate homeport.

That story ended on November 25, 2025, when Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the Constellation program’s cancellation. It was replaced on December 19 by a new story — one whose final chapter hasn’t been written yet, and whose setting is still up for grabs.

The New Frigate: FF(X), Based on a Coast Guard Cutter

In a video posted on social media on December 19, Phelan announced his direction for the program: “I have directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class national security cutter design, a proven American built ship that has been protecting us interests at home and abroad.”

The design choice matters. The Legend-class is the National Security Cutter, the Coast Guard’s largest surface asset — a 418-foot hull that HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding has been delivering on schedule for more than a decade. By starting from a mature, in-production American design rather than adapting a European parent hull, the Navy is betting it can avoid the design-instability problems that sank the Constellation.

The Constellation’s design problems were severe. It was originally intended to be about 85% common with the Italian FREMM frigate it was based on. By the time the Navy walked away from it, the final design had only about 15% commonality with the parent FREMM, had grown roughly 500 tons heavier than planned, and had pushed delivery of the lead ship from a 2026 target to April 2029 — a three-year slip that added more than $1 billion in costs.

The FF(X) aims for a ship in the water by 2028. Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi will be the lead yard. The Navy has said it will run a competition to select additional yards, which keeps the door open for industrial base expansion elsewhere.

The Open Question for Everett

Neither the cancellation announcement nor the replacement announcement addressed homeports. Navy spokesman Capt. Ron Flanders told The Daily Herald that decisions on where the first two Constellation-class ships — FFG-62 Constellation and FFG-63 Congress, both still under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin — will be based “won’t be made until much closer to a ship’s commissioning date.”

The same silence applies to the new FF(X). No homeport has been announced. No assignment schedule has been published. For a station that spent four years preparing for a frigate-driven future, that silence is the central fact to navigate.

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has moved quickly to make Everett’s case. Larsen has publicly described the station as “uniquely situated” for new frigates because of its direct access to the Pacific and its existing pier infrastructure, arguing the same rationale that won Everett the original Constellation homeport assignment in 2021 applies just as well to its replacement.

Why Everett Was Picked the First Time

The 2021 homeport decision was not arbitrary. The Navy’s 2024 Environmental Assessment on homeporting Constellation-class frigates at Naval Station Everett found no significant environmental impact and documented the station’s suitability in detail: deep-water piers already built to handle larger combatants, shore power capacity for modern ships, proximity to the open ocean without transit through restricted inland waters, and established training ranges in the Puget Sound operating area.

That infrastructure has not moved. The same physical and operational reasons that made Everett the logical choice for 12 Constellation-class frigates still apply to any new surface combatant the Navy wants to homeport in the Pacific Northwest. What has changed is the political geography around the decision, not the maritime geography.

The Local Response: Military Affairs Committee Rebooted

The community response was to get organized. In January 2026, the Economic Alliance Snohomish County — led by CEO Ray Stephanson — announced it was rebooting the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee specifically to advocate for the station’s long-term future. The committee’s first meeting was held on February 23, 2026, with Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring (R-Arlington) among the confirmed participants.

The committee’s role, as described in its charter, is to serve as “a coordinated regional voice that understands both the national security implications and the local economic impacts” of decisions affecting the station. In practice, that means:

• Resuming regular visits to the Pentagon to brief Navy leadership on Everett’s capabilities
• Tracking Navy contract opportunities so Snohomish County businesses can bid on them
• Coordinating with the Washington congressional delegation on authorization and appropriations language

Stephanson described the cancellation as undermining years of work to establish Everett as a key Navy asset, and framed the committee’s purpose as protecting the station’s relevance in future budget cycles.

What Current Operations Look Like

Amid all of this, the day-to-day mission at Naval Station Everett has not changed. The installation remains home to guided-missile destroyers — including USS Momsen, USS Shoup, USS Gridley, USS Kidd, and USS Sampson — along with USS Rafael Peralta and other Arleigh Burke-class ships, plus two Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers and two U.S. Coast Guard vessels.

The station continues to conduct routine operations and periodic training exercises, including the April 20–28, 2026 exercise in which community members observed blank-ammunition noise, temporary gate-access changes, and additional small-boat activity near the waterfront. The Navy emphasized that the exercise was routine and not in response to any specific threat.

The Fleet & Family Support Center continues to run its full program calendar, including the 2026 Career Transition Series that wrapped in March and the MWR Mountaineering Program that returned for 2026. For Navy families stationed in Everett right now, the frigate-class question is a long-horizon issue; the day-to-day quality-of-life infrastructure is intact.

The Economic Stakes

The cancelled Constellation homeporting plan carried concrete economic numbers. The 2024 environmental study estimated the 12-ship assignment would bring 2,900 sailors and civilian personnel to the Everett area while displacing roughly 3,100 existing personnel through reassignments elsewhere in the fleet.

Those numbers are now holding patterns, not commitments. Whether a similarly sized workforce arrives with the FF(X) — or with whatever combination of new-class surface combatants the Navy ultimately assigns to Everett — depends on homeport decisions that haven’t been made.

For the local economy, the waiting period is the hard part. Housing demand assumptions, school enrollment planning, and business investment decisions that were anchored to the 2026–2028 frigate arrival timeline have to be re-baselined. The Economic Alliance has told local stakeholders that the rebooted Military Affairs Committee is the single most important vehicle for keeping Everett in the running.

What to Watch

Three data points will tell the story as it develops:

• Where FFG-62 Constellation and FFG-63 Congress are homeported when they commission. If either is assigned to Everett, it signals the station is still in the Navy’s Pacific frigate rotation.
• The FF(X) competitive yard selection. Additional yards beyond Ingalls would broaden the industrial base and, potentially, strengthen the case for Pacific basing.
• The FY2027 and FY2028 shipbuilding appropriations. Homeport language sometimes appears in the committee report language accompanying defense authorization bills, even before formal Navy assignment.

None of those data points are available yet. Everett’s job between now and when they are is to make the case — as the Military Affairs Committee, Rep. Larsen, Sen. Patty Murray, and Sen. Maria Cantwell are all actively doing — that the Pacific Northwest’s only deep-water Navy installation belongs in the Navy’s long-term surface combatant plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Constellation-class frigate program?
On November 25, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the program’s cancellation. The first two ships — FFG-62 Constellation and FFG-63 Congress — will finish construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, but the next four planned ships were cancelled. Cost overruns exceeded $1 billion and delivery of the lead ship had slipped to April 2029.

What is the FF(X) frigate replacing it?
The FF(X) is a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-class National Security Cutter, which is currently in service with the Coast Guard. It was announced by Secretary Phelan on December 19, 2025, with the stated goal of having a ship in the water by 2028. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi will be the lead yard, and additional yards will be selected through competition.

Will the FF(X) be homeported at Naval Station Everett?
The Navy has not announced homeports for the new class. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett) is lobbying Navy leadership to route the new frigates to Everett, citing the same Pacific access and pier infrastructure that supported the original Constellation assignment.

What is the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee?
It is a regional advocacy committee led by Ray Stephanson of Economic Alliance Snohomish County, rebooted in January 2026 after the Constellation cancellation. Its first meeting was February 23, 2026. The committee coordinates with elected officials, union leaders, and community groups to advocate for Naval Station Everett’s long-term future.

Is Naval Station Everett reducing operations?
No. The Navy has not announced any plans to reduce the station’s operational footprint. Current destroyers and cruisers continue to deploy and return, the Fleet & Family Support Center remains fully operational, and routine training exercises continue on schedule.

Who is the current commanding officer of Naval Station Everett?
Capt. Stacy Wuthier is the commanding officer. For official inquiries, the station’s Public Affairs Office is the point of contact; media questions about program or basing decisions go through Navy Region Northwest and the Pentagon.

Where can military families find resources in Everett?
The Fleet & Family Support Center at Naval Station Everett offers the full range of Navy family programs, and the installation’s MWR programs run year-round. The Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program office at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett supports transitioning service members and veterans. The Everett Vet Center at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207 offers counseling services.

If you’re a sailor at Naval Station Everett, a spouse managing the household, a veteran transitioning out of active duty, or a Navy family just PCS’d into north Puget Sound, the February 2026 change at the Everett Vet Center directly affects how you access VA claims help. It’s a fixable change — but only if you know what actually changed and what to do next.

Here is the version of this story written for Navy families specifically.

The short version for someone still in uniform

If you are active-duty Navy at NAVSTA Everett and thinking about your post-service VA claim, the most important thing to know is that the Everett Vet Center still exists, still runs full counseling services, and is still closer to base than Seattle. What changed: the weekday walk-in VFW Service Officer presence ended February 20, 2026. What replaced it: monthly VBA staff visits at the same Vet Center (by appointment) and two other local options.

None of this means your claims pathway disappeared. It means the appointment habit replaced the walk-in habit.

Three options within a reasonable drive of NAVSTA Everett

Option 1: The Everett Vet Center, 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207. VBA staff visit monthly for claims appointments. Phone: (425) 252-9701. The Vet Center is the closest “VA building” to NAVSTA Everett. For sailors living on base housing or in Everett proper, it is the shortest drive.

Option 2: Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, downtown Everett. The county’s own veterans program. Walk-ins accepted during business hours. Phone: (425) 388-7255. This is the option with the broadest scope — VA claims filing plus emergency rent, utilities, and transportation assistance if your family is in a crunch.

Option 3: VFW Department of Washington, 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 101. VFW-accredited Service Officers by appointment in the same building as the Vet Center, one suite over. This is the continuation of the prior VFW service model — just with scheduled appointments instead of weekday walk-ins.

The PCS-timing wrinkle

Navy families rotating into or out of NAVSTA Everett face a specific wrinkle: VA claims are best filed close to the end of service, not after you’ve moved across the country. If you’re separating from the Navy while stationed at NAVSTA Everett, file your claim before PCS out of the area. The local VSO and VBA access is built around veterans who remain in the region.

The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows you to file up to 180 days before separation. If you’re within that window, schedule a claims appointment at the Everett Vet Center’s monthly VBA visit, or with VFW Department at Suite 101. You will get a faster, cleaner claim process than if you wait until after you separate and relocate.

For spouses managing the paperwork

With a Power of Attorney, a spouse can act on behalf of a deployed or underway sailor in many VA-claim contexts. For Navy families where the servicemember is at sea or on the Constellation timeline, scheduling a claims appointment for the spouse to attend is often the practical path. All three Snohomish County options above can work with POA-authorized spouses.

Bring the POA paperwork to the appointment. Bring the DD-214 (or anticipated separation date, for BDD filings). Bring medical records if you have them. The VSO or VBA representative does the rest.

What NAVSTA Fleet & Family Support Center does and doesn’t do

Fleet & Family Support Center at NAVSTA Everett provides transition assistance, counseling, and a range of family services on base. It is not a VA claims office. For specific VA disability claim filing, the three options above are where to go.

F&FSC is, however, the right starting point for transition assistance programming generally, including TAP (Transition Assistance Program) participation before separation. TAP includes orientation to the VA benefits process and is the cleanest on-base starting point.

Everett VA Outpatient Clinic is for care, not claims

The Everett VA Outpatient Clinic on Smokey Point Boulevard is the closest VA medical facility for enrolled veterans living north of Seattle. It handles primary care and mental health care. It is not a benefits office, and you cannot file VA disability claims there. If your need is medical care after enrollment, the clinic is the right place. If your need is claims help, use the three options listed above.

The Vet Center is still the place for counseling

A reminder for Navy families where someone is struggling: the Everett Vet Center’s core mission — confidential readjustment counseling, PTSD support, MST counseling, family therapy, bereavement support — was not affected by the February 2026 change. Those services continue Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207.

After-hours Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387. Staffed 24/7, confidential.

Related Exploring Everett coverage

• PCS to NAVSTA Everett: A 2026 Housing Guide for Navy Families
• What to Do When Your Sailor Deploys from Naval Station Everett: A Family Readiness Guide
• NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can a Navy family at NAVSTA Everett file a VA disability claim in 2026?

At the Everett Vet Center during VBA monthly visits (by appointment), at the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, or with the VFW Department of Washington at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 101.

Can I file a VA claim before I separate from the Navy?

Yes. Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) lets you file up to 180 days before separation. The monthly VBA visit at the Everett Vet Center is a good in-person option for BDD filings if you’re stationed at NAVSTA Everett.

Can my spouse file a VA claim on my behalf while I’m underway?

With a valid Power of Attorney, yes. Bring the POA paperwork to the appointment. All three Snohomish County options above can work with POA-authorized spouses.

Does NAVSTA Fleet & Family Support Center file VA claims?

No. F&FSC provides transition assistance and programming (including TAP) but is not a VA claims office. Use the three Snohomish County options above for claim filing.

Is the Everett VA Outpatient Clinic a claims office?

No. It is a primary care and mental health clinic for enrolled veterans. You cannot file disability claims there.

Quick answer: As of February 20, 2026, VFW Veterans Service Officers no longer hold weekday hours inside the Everett Vet Center. Snohomish County veterans now have three primary in-person options for VA claims help: VBA staff visits (monthly, by appointment) at the Everett Vet Center at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207; the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett; and the VFW Department of Washington office in Suite 101 of the same Everett Mall Way building. Vet Center counseling services were not affected by the change.

For any veteran in Snohomish County, Skagit County, or Island County who has relied on the Everett Vet Center as the closest “VA building” for help filing a disability claim or appeal, the path has changed. Nothing you earned has changed. Only the door to walk through has.

This is the complete 2026 guide to where to go now.

What actually changed on February 20, 2026

The Everett Vet Center at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207, had for years hosted VFW-credentialed Veterans Service Officers on weekdays as a partner service. A VSO is an accredited representative who helps veterans prepare and file VA claims and appeals — at no charge to the veteran.

On February 20, 2026, that arrangement ended. VFW VSOs are no longer staffing the Everett Vet Center on weekdays. In place of the weekday VSO presence, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff — federal employees, not volunteer VSOs — now visit the Vet Center monthly to take claims appointments.

The Vet Center’s core mission was not affected. Readjustment counseling, PTSD counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, family and bereavement support, and group programs continue on the Monday-through-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. schedule. Non-traditional hours are available by arrangement. The after-hours Vet Center Call Center remains 877-927-8387.

Option 1: VBA monthly visits at the Everett Vet Center

Location: 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207, Everett, WA 98208
Phone: (425) 252-9701
What to expect: VBA staff from the Seattle VA Regional Office visit once a month to take claims appointments. These are by appointment only — walk-ins are not recommended. The Vet Center publishes the updated monthly schedule.

This is the closest thing to a continuation of the previous arrangement. For veterans who built a relationship with the Vet Center as their VA access point, this is the option that keeps you in the same building.

Option 2: Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program

Location: 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 (Snohomish County Administration East Building)
Phone: (425) 388-7255
What to expect: The county’s own veterans assistance program provides emergency financial assistance, VA claim filing help, and connections to additional benefits. This is a county government program, separate from the VA itself, funded in part by the county’s veterans assistance levy.

For veterans who want a one-stop local government office that can help both with VA claims and with emergency assistance (rent, utilities, transportation), this is the option with the broadest scope. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, but calling ahead is always faster.

Option 3: VFW Department of Washington, Suite 101

Location: 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 101, Everett, WA 98208
What to expect: The VFW Department of Washington maintains an office one suite over from the Vet Center in the same building. Accredited VFW VSOs work out of this office for scheduled appointments. This is the closest spiritual continuation of the pre-February arrangement.

For veterans who specifically want to work with a VFW-credentialed VSO and want to stay in the same building as before, Suite 101 is where to call. Appointments should be scheduled in advance.

What each option is best for

New claims. Any of the three options can help you file an initial VA disability claim. Snohomish County’s Veterans Assistance Program has local-government wraparound services that pair well with a new claim if you are also in financial crisis.

Appeals. Appeals benefit from the accredited VSO model — either VFW at Suite 101 or the American Legion and DAV-accredited reps at the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program. Appeals are procedurally complex and the free VSO representation is materially valuable.

Records requests. The VBA monthly visit at the Vet Center is often the cleanest path for veterans who need DD-214 replacement, service treatment records, or specific VBA paperwork handled.

Emergency assistance. Snohomish County’s Veterans Assistance Program is the only option with direct emergency financial assistance (rent, utilities, transportation).

What about the Everett VA Outpatient Clinic?

The Everett VA Outpatient Clinic on Smokey Point Boulevard handles primary care and mental health care for enrolled veterans. It is not a benefits office. You cannot file VA disability claims at the outpatient clinic. If your question is about medical care, the clinic is the right place. If your question is about claims, appeals, or benefits paperwork, it is not.

Who the Everett Vet Center still serves

A reminder that nothing about the following changed on February 20, 2026:

• Readjustment counseling for combat veterans
• Military sexual trauma counseling
• Family and couples therapy
• Bereavement counseling for families of service members who died on active duty
• Veteran group programs
• After-hours Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387

If you came to the Vet Center for counseling, the door is still open the same hours it always was.

Why the change matters geographically

The Everett Vet Center is the closest VA-affiliated building for veterans living in Marysville, Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and the Smokey Point/Arlington corridor. For veterans with mobility limitations, transportation constraints, or PTSD-related anxiety about new environments, losing the weekday walk-in claims help is a real friction point. The fix is not giving up — it’s knowing the three options above and calling to schedule.

Related Exploring Everett coverage

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• PCS to NAVSTA Everett: A 2026 Housing Guide for Navy Families
• NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I file a VA disability claim in Snohomish County in 2026?

Three options: VBA staff during monthly visits at the Everett Vet Center (by appointment), the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, or the VFW Department of Washington office at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 101.

Is the Everett Vet Center closed?

No. The Vet Center remains open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with full counseling services. Only the weekday VFW Service Officer arrangement ended February 20, 2026.

Do I have to pay for VA claims help?

No. All three Snohomish County options — VBA monthly visits, county Veterans Assistance Program, and VFW-accredited VSOs — provide VA claims help free of charge.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

The Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program accepts walk-ins during business hours (but calling first is faster). VBA monthly visits at the Vet Center and VFW Department at Suite 101 are appointment-based.

What does the Everett VA Outpatient Clinic do?

Primary care and mental health care for enrolled veterans. It is not a benefits office — you cannot file VA disability claims there.

What is a VSO?

A Veterans Service Officer — an accredited representative (often VFW, American Legion, or DAV) who can help veterans file and represent VA claims and appeals free of charge.

What is VBA?

Veterans Benefits Administration — the federal agency inside the Department of Veterans Affairs that handles benefits claims. VBA staff are federal employees. VSOs are accredited volunteers or service-organization employees.

Who do I call for the after-hours Vet Center Call Center?

1-877-927-8387, staffed 24/7 for veterans in need of confidential support.

When is the Everett FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone?
Everett’s Waterfront Watch Parties at Boxcar Park run on four match days: Thursday, June 11 (Mexico vs. South Africa, opening match, fan zone opens 10 AM, kickoff noon); Friday, June 12 (USA vs. Paraguay, fan zone opens 4 PM, kickoff 6 PM); Thursday, June 18 (Mexico vs. South Korea, fan zone opens 4 PM, kickoff 6 PM); and Friday, June 19 (USA vs. Australia — the Seattle-hosted match — fan zone opens 10 AM, kickoff noon). Free shuttle from Everett Station and downtown Everett.

Seven weeks out and counting. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11, and Everett is officially on the host-city party map. The Port of Everett’s Boxcar Park is the city’s designated Waterfront Watch Party site for four matches in the opening rounds of the tournament — and now we finally have the match-day schedule nailed down.

The short version: Everett is hosting watch parties on June 11, 12, 18, and 19, anchoring around two USMNT group-stage matches and both Mexico group-stage matches. And because the Seattle-hosted USA vs. Australia match on June 19 is a hometown game for the Pacific Northwest, that one is going to be a scene.

The Match-Day Schedule

Thursday, June 11 — Mexico vs. South Africa (Opening Match)

Everett’s Fan Zone opens at 10 AM. Match kicks off at noon. This is the opening match of the entire tournament — the first time the World Cup has been co-hosted by three countries, and Mexico gets the ceremonial first kick. If you want to be at Boxcar Park for the moment the whole thing starts, this is the morning.

Friday, June 12 — USA vs. Paraguay

Fan Zone opens at 4 PM, kickoff at 6 PM. The USMNT’s tournament opener. In Everett, on the waterfront, under a spring-into-summer sky. It’s hard to imagine a better setting for a group-stage USA match.

Thursday, June 18 — Mexico vs. South Korea

Fan Zone opens at 4 PM, kickoff at 6 PM. Mexico’s second group-stage game. The Mexico fan community in Snohomish County is substantial, and this will be one of the best atmospheres of the whole Fan Zone run.

Friday, June 19 — USA vs. Australia (Seattle-Hosted Match)

Fan Zone opens at 10 AM, kickoff at noon. This is the marquee day. The match itself is being played in Seattle at Lumen Field, and Everett’s Fan Zone will be the closest spot north of the city to experience the game without making the drive. Expect the biggest crowd of the tournament at Boxcar Park for this one.

What’s at Boxcar Park

The Fan Zone experience is being put together by the City of Everett, Port of Everett, and the Snohomish County Sports Commission. The lineup includes:

• Large outdoor match screenings at Boxcar Park, the Port’s signature waterfront green space with views of Port Gardner Bay
• Local food and beverage vendors — the vendor application window closed April 9, so the roster is now being finalized
• Music between matches
• Family-friendly activities — this is designed as a full-day waterfront festival, not just a big-screen TV
• Community celebrations reflecting the diversity of the competing nations
• Free shuttle operated by Everett Transit with stops at Everett Station, downtown Everett, and Boxcar Park

Boxcar Park is at the northern edge of Waterfront Place, with direct access to restaurants and shops at Fisherman’s Harbor. If you’ve been to a concert or event at the Port waterfront in the last two years, you know the setup. If you haven’t, the combination of bay views, walkable restaurants, and a large outdoor green space makes Boxcar Park as good a World Cup Fan Zone site as any in the region.

Getting There: The Free Shuttle

Parking on a World Cup match day near the waterfront is going to be tight. The organizers know it, and the solution is Everett Transit’s free shuttle. Stops include:

• Everett Station (for Sounder commuter rail and Amtrak Cascades arrivals)
• Downtown Everett
• Boxcar Park

If you’re coming from Seattle for the June 19 USA match and want to experience it from the Everett Fan Zone rather than dealing with Lumen Field crowds, Sounder to Everett Station plus the free shuttle is the smart move.

Why Everett Landed a Fan Zone

Seattle is one of the 11 U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup, and the Pacific Northwest got six matches at Lumen Field — a mix of group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, and a Round of 16 match. But the host-city footprint extends well beyond Lumen. The SeattleFWC26 organizing committee announced official Fan Zones across Washington State, with Everett’s Boxcar Park among the flagship sites north of Seattle.

For Everett specifically, the Fan Zone is the kind of event that puts the city’s waterfront transformation on a national stage. Restaurants and hotels along Waterfront Place, Hewitt Avenue, and the Port of Everett core are going to see a meaningful surge in June foot traffic — especially on the June 19 USA match day.

What Everett Fan Zone Days Look Like

Here’s the honest take on what to expect at Boxcar Park on one of these match days: a mid-sized crowd of 2,000-5,000 people, a festival vibe that ramps up as kickoff approaches, kids chasing a ball on the lawn while parents get a beer from a local vendor, big screens showing the match, and — when the USA scores, or when Mexico scores — a roar you can probably hear across Port Gardner Bay.

It’s community soccer the way community soccer should be done in 2026: free, outdoors, waterfront, with a big screen and a local beer in your hand.

What’s Still Being Finalized

• Food and beverage vendor lineup — applications closed April 9; the final list should be announced before the June 11 opener
• Music and entertainment schedule — typically announced about a month before match days
• Additional Fan Zone expansions — SeattleFWC26 has continued to add Fan Zone locations across the state; more may be announced between now and June

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Everett’s FIFA 2026 Fan Zone?

Boxcar Park at the Port of Everett, on the north side of Waterfront Place.

What match days are Everett’s Fan Zone hosting?

Thursday June 11, Friday June 12, Thursday June 18, and Friday June 19, 2026.

Is the Fan Zone free?

Yes. The Waterfront Watch Parties are free to attend.

Is parking available?

Limited on-site parking. A free Everett Transit shuttle connects Everett Station, downtown Everett, and Boxcar Park on match days — the recommended way to get there.

What’s the USMNT schedule for Everett’s Fan Zone?

USA vs. Paraguay on June 12 at 6 PM kickoff, and USA vs. Australia (the Seattle-hosted match) on June 19 at noon kickoff. Both air on the Boxcar Park big screens.

What about Mexico matches?

Two Mexico group-stage matches will be shown at the Fan Zone — June 11 vs. South Africa (the tournament opener) and June 18 vs. South Korea.

When does Everett’s Fan Zone open on match days?

Two hours before noon kickoffs (10 AM) and two hours before 6 PM kickoffs (4 PM).