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Tag: Military

  • NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide to What’s at Stake

    NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide to What’s at Stake

    Q: What happened to the frigates that were supposed to come to Naval Station Everett?
    A: The U.S. Navy cancelled the Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG-62) program in November 2025, eliminating plans to homeport 12 new ships at NAVSTA Everett. The cancellation removed a transformative commitment to the base and the Snohomish County economy. Local leaders have since rebooted the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee to advocate for the base’s continued relevance in the Pacific Fleet.

    NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Cancellation: A Complete Guide to What’s at Stake

    Naval Station Everett sits on the waterfront at the northern edge of downtown — a base that most people in Snohomish County pass without much thought, but that touches the local economy, the housing market, the schools, and the community in ways that most residents never fully appreciate until something threatens to change it.

    That something arrived in November 2025, when the U.S. Navy officially cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program, ending a plan that would have transformed NAVSTA Everett into one of the most strategically significant homeports in the Pacific Fleet. Here is everything you need to know about what was lost, what remains, and what local leaders are doing about it.

    The Promise: 12 Frigates, a Generation of Growth

    In June 2021, the Navy made one of the most consequential announcements in Everett’s modern history: NAVSTA Everett would become the homeport for the first 12 Constellation-class guided-missile frigates (FFG-62). These were not small ships — the Constellation class was designed as the Navy’s answer to a capability gap in surface warfare, intended to project power across the Pacific and operate alongside carrier strike groups.

    For Everett, the commitment meant 12 new vessels, hundreds of additional sailors and their families, pier infrastructure upgrades, and a decades-long anchor of federal investment. The economic multiplier effect alone — housing demand, school enrollment, retail spending, support contractors — would have reshaped Snohomish County’s economic landscape for a generation.

    The Cancellation: What Happened and Why

    On November 25, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program beyond its first two ships. His reasoning was precise: the program was delivering approximately 60 percent of a destroyer’s capability at roughly 80 percent of the cost, while running years behind schedule and hundreds of millions over budget.

    The first ship — USS Constellation (FFG-62), built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin — was only approximately 12 percent complete as of the November 2025 report to Congress, and its projected delivery had already slipped from 2026 to an estimated 2029. The Navy made the calculation that the math no longer worked.

    For Everett, the numbers were painfully concrete. The 12 frigates that were never coming represented 12 crews, 12 sets of families, and 12 ships’ worth of homeport infrastructure that will now never be built.

    What NAVSTA Everett Actually Means to Snohomish County

    Naval Station Everett is currently home to approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees, making it one of the ten largest employers in Snohomish County. The Navy’s own regional estimates put the total annual economic impact of military operations in Snohomish County at roughly $340 million — and that figure accounts for the base’s current footprint, not the expanded one the frigates would have created.

    That $340 million flows through the county in layered ways: military housing allowances that sustain rental markets from Marysville to Mukilteo; commissary and PX spending; healthcare utilization at civilian providers; car purchases, restaurant visits, and retail patronage. When you add the support contractors who maintain the base’s ships, facilities, and equipment, the economic web extends across the entire region.

    NAVSTA Everett is currently home to a carrier strike group and associated surface combatants. The base’s deep-water piers can accommodate destroyers, cruisers, and — if the frigates had materialized — the new FFG-62 class. It is a strategically important installation, but one that needs sustained advocacy to maintain its assignment levels as the Navy reconfigures its force structure.

    Everett Fights Back: The Rebooted Military Affairs Committee

    Within weeks of the cancellation, Snohomish County leaders began organizing a response. The Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, led by President and CEO Ray Stephanson, moved to reboot the county’s Military Affairs Committee — a group that had previously advocated for the base but had gone dormant as the frigate program appeared on track.

    Stephanson was direct about the stakes: “The demise of the frigate program is very disappointing,” he said. “The assignment of the frigates would have cemented the base’s role as a key asset for the U.S. Navy.”

    Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring (R-Arlington) accepted an invitation to join the rebooted committee, signaling that the advocacy effort would span both the public and private sectors. The committee’s goal is proactive — not to mourn what was lost, but to identify what missions, ships, or assets could be directed to NAVSTA Everett as the Navy reconfigures its Pacific Fleet strategy.

    U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, whose district includes NAVSTA Everett, has stated that the Navy’s commitment to Everett as a homeport remains strong despite the frigate cancellation. Larsen has been a consistent advocate for the base in Congress, and his office has communicated directly with Navy leadership about maintaining Everett’s force assignment levels.

    What Comes Next for the Base

    The Navy has not announced any plans to reduce NAVSTA Everett’s current force assignment — the carrier strike group elements and surface combatants currently homeported here are not affected by the frigate cancellation. The base’s infrastructure remains intact and capable.

    The open question is what replaces the growth that the frigates would have generated. The Military Affairs Committee is actively exploring whether other ship classes — next-generation surface combatants or additional destroyers — could be directed to Everett as the Navy builds out its Pacific-oriented force posture. The base’s location, deep-water access, and proximity to Puget Sound industrial infrastructure make it a logical candidate for expanded assignments.

    The answer will likely come from Washington, D.C., shaped by how effectively local leaders and advocates make the case for Everett’s strategic value. That advocacy — quiet, consistent, and backed by a community that understands what is at stake — is now underway.

    Frequently Asked Questions About NAVSTA Everett and the Frigate Cancellation

    Q: Is Naval Station Everett at risk of closure?
    A: The Navy has not announced or suggested any plans to close NAVSTA Everett. The base remains operational with its current ship assignments intact. The frigate cancellation removed a planned expansion, not existing assets.

    Q: How many sailors are currently stationed at NAVSTA Everett?
    A: Approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees are currently assigned to or working at Naval Station Everett, making it one of the largest employers in Snohomish County.

    Q: What was the Constellation-class frigate, and why was it cancelled?
    A: The FFG-62 Constellation class was designed as a next-generation guided-missile frigate to restore U.S. Navy frigate capability. It was cancelled in November 2025 after the program fell significantly behind schedule, exceeded its budget, and delivered roughly 60% of a destroyer’s capability at 80% of the cost.

    Q: What is the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee?
    A: The Military Affairs Committee is a public-private advocacy group organized through the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County. It advocates at the federal level for maintaining and expanding Naval Station Everett’s role in the Pacific Fleet. It was rebooted in early 2026 in response to the frigate cancellation.

    Q: What is the economic impact of NAVSTA Everett on the local economy?
    A: The Navy estimates military operations in Snohomish County generate approximately $340 million in annual economic impact. This includes direct spending by military personnel and their families, contractor and support employment, and the housing market effects of military housing allowances.

    Q: What ships are currently homeported at NAVSTA Everett?
    A: NAVSTA Everett hosts elements of a carrier strike group and associated surface combatants. Specific ship assignments change as vessels deploy and return. The base’s pier infrastructure is capable of accommodating a wide range of Navy surface combatants.

    Q: Who represents NAVSTA Everett in Congress?
    A: U.S. Representative Rick Larsen represents the district that includes Naval Station Everett. Larsen has been a consistent advocate for the base and has communicated with Navy leadership about maintaining Everett’s force assignments following the frigate cancellation.

    Related: Naval Station Everett’s Fight for Its Future After the Frigate Program Collapse | Everett Fights Back: Inside the Community Push to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future | Sound Transit Everett Link Extension: Where the Project Stands in 2026

  • What the Frigate Cancellation Means for Military Families at NAVSTA Everett

    What the Frigate Cancellation Means for Military Families at NAVSTA Everett

    Q: How does the Navy frigate cancellation affect military families at NAVSTA Everett?
    A: The cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program means that the hundreds of new sailors and their families who would have been assigned to Everett will not be coming. For families already at NAVSTA Everett, the base remains open and operational — but some uncertainty about long-term force assignments makes planning for the future more complicated.

    What the Frigate Cancellation Means for Military Families at NAVSTA Everett

    If you’re a military family at Naval Station Everett — or considering a PCS move here — the November 2025 cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program raised an immediate and practical question: what does this mean for us?

    The short answer is that the base is not closing. The ships currently homeported here are still here. The community around NAVSTA Everett — the schools, the housing, the support networks — remains intact. But the frigate cancellation changed some things that military families should understand as they plan their time in Everett.

    What Was Lost for the NAVSTA Everett Community

    The 12 Constellation-class frigates that were promised to NAVSTA Everett would have brought hundreds of new sailors and their families to Snohomish County. That growth would have meant expanded housing demand, more enrollment at base-adjacent schools, a larger military community at YMCA programs and faith communities and youth sports leagues, and more demand for the off-base businesses that serve military families.

    For families already stationed here, the frigates would have meant a more robust community infrastructure — more families going through the same transitions at the same time, more established support networks, more familiarity in the local community with military life and its rhythms. That anticipated growth is not coming, and the community that was expected to expand will remain closer to its current size.

    The Base Is Stable — Here’s What That Actually Means

    NAVSTA Everett currently hosts approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees. The carrier strike group elements and surface combatants homeported here have not been affected by the frigate cancellation. The base’s operational status, its infrastructure, and its day-to-day function remain unchanged.

    For a military family weighing a PCS to Everett, “stable” translates into practical terms: the base is funded, staffed, and operating. Schools in the Everett School District and Mukilteo School District that serve military families are enrolled at typical levels. On-base housing continues to operate through the standard process. The commissary, Navy Exchange, and base support services are all functioning normally.

    The Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee — rebooted in early 2026 in response to the cancellation — is actively working with the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, County Council member Nate Nehring, and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen to ensure NAVSTA Everett retains its current force assignments and potentially receives new ship assignments as the Navy restructures its Pacific Fleet posture.

    Housing: What the Military Market Looks Like Around NAVSTA Everett

    The Everett-area housing market in spring 2026 is tight for renters, particularly in the neighborhoods closest to the base. On-base housing is managed through the standard Navy process; off-base, BAH rates for E-5 and above in the Everett-Seattle MSA have kept pace with local market conditions better than in some other PCS destinations.

    Key neighborhoods for military families include South Everett (close to the base, strong school access), Mukilteo (excellent schools, slightly longer commute to the gate), and Marysville (more affordable, 20-25 minute drive to NAVSTA). The Everett housing market’s median sale price sits near $547,000 as of April 2026, with townhomes moving in roughly six days on average under $750,000 — a competitive but not impossible market for families using VA loans.

    The projected influx of frigate families would have added significant upward pressure to an already tight rental and ownership market. The cancellation means that pressure is eased — counterintuitively, military families arriving now face a somewhat less competitive housing environment than they would have if the frigates had materialized.

    Schools and Family Resources

    Military families at NAVSTA Everett are typically served by either the Everett School District or the Mukilteo School District, depending on where they live. Both districts have experience working with military families navigating mid-year enrollment, records transfers, and the social adjustment that comes with a PCS move.

    Everett Community College offers several programs relevant to military families, including veteran support services and workforce training pathways for spouses seeking employment in the Snohomish County job market. The county’s Boeing economy — including the 737 North Line launching at Paine Field this summer — means manufacturing and aerospace jobs are actively hiring, which matters enormously for military spouses whose career continuity gets disrupted by PCS cycles.

    Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) services remain available at NAVSTA Everett, providing counseling, deployment support, financial management assistance, and transition assistance programs. These services are unaffected by the frigate cancellation.

    Deployment Rhythms and Community Planning

    One of the most practical concerns for military families is how base operational tempo affects deployment schedules and community planning. Without the frigate expansion, NAVSTA Everett’s operational rhythm is likely to remain more predictable in the near term — the current ship assignments have established deployment patterns that are broadly understood by the base community.

    The Navy has not announced any changes to current deployment schedules as a result of the frigate cancellation. For families in the middle of a deployment cycle, the immediate practical impact of the cancellation is minimal. The longer-term uncertainty — what new ships or missions might come to Everett in the years ahead — is something the Military Affairs Committee is actively working to shape.

    Frequently Asked Questions for Military Families at NAVSTA Everett

    Q: Is NAVSTA Everett at risk of a BRAC closure following the frigate cancellation?
    A: There is no current indication that NAVSTA Everett is being considered for closure. The base remains strategically important as a deep-water Pacific Fleet homeport, and local, state, and federal advocates are actively working to maintain and grow its force assignments.

    Q: Will BAH rates for NAVSTA Everett be affected by the frigate cancellation?
    A: BAH rates are determined by local housing market costs, not by base population levels. The cancellation’s effect on the housing market is modest — it removes anticipated demand growth, which may slightly ease housing cost pressure, but is unlikely to change BAH rates in a significant way.

    Q: What schools serve military families near NAVSTA Everett?
    A: Depending on where you live, military families are served by either the Everett School District or Mukilteo School District. Both have experience with military family enrollment and transfers. South Everett and Mukilteo neighborhoods are popular with families for their school quality and commute to the base gate.

    Q: Are there employment opportunities for military spouses near NAVSTA Everett?
    A: The Snohomish County economy is robust, anchored by Boeing’s Everett factory (which is hiring for the new 737 North Line this summer), aerospace suppliers at Paine Field, healthcare systems, and a growing retail and hospitality sector tied to the Port of Everett’s waterfront development. Everett Community College offers workforce training and veteran support services.

    Q: What support services are available for military families at NAVSTA Everett?
    A: The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at NAVSTA Everett provides counseling, deployment readiness, financial management, transition assistance, and spouse employment support. These services are fully operational and unaffected by the frigate cancellation.

    Q: Where do most military families live near NAVSTA Everett?
    A: South Everett (close to the base gate, diverse housing stock), Mukilteo (highly rated schools, waterfront access), and Marysville (most affordable, 20-25 min commute) are the most common off-base choices. On-base housing is managed through the standard Navy process.

    Related: Everett Fights Back: Inside the Community Push to Secure NAVSTA’s Future | Everett Housing Market April 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know | Boeing’s North Line: Everett Prepares to Build Its First 737 MAX This Summer

  • USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

    USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families



    Q: Is USS Gridley from Naval Station Everett currently deployed?
    A: Yes. USS Gridley (DDG-101), homeported at Naval Station Everett since 2016, is deployed with Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for the Southern Seas 2026 deployment — a circumnavigation of South America. The deployment was officially announced by U.S. Southern Command on March 23, 2026.

    USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) has sailed south. On March 23, 2026, U.S. Southern Command officially announced that the guided-missile destroyer homeported at Naval Station Everett had deployed alongside USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for Southern Seas 2026 — a circumnavigation of South America that takes Everett sailors through waters spanning the Caribbean, the Atlantic coast of South America, Cape Horn, and the Pacific. For the families left behind at NAVSTA Everett, this is everything you need to know.

    What Is Southern Seas 2026?

    Southern Seas is the 11th iteration of a long-running U.S. 4th Fleet deployment series, running continuously since 2007. Designed to strengthen maritime partnerships across South America, Southern Seas deployments combine military-to-military training with diplomatic engagement along the continent’s coastlines — passing exercises, maritime operations, and subject matter expert exchanges with partner nation naval forces.

    This year’s deployment sends USS Nimitz and USS Gridley south as the core of Carrier Strike Group 11, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). The strike group will conduct exercises and operations with maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

    Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica — brief windows for the crew to call home, recharge, and experience ports few Americans ever see. For families tracking the deployment, these port visits typically represent the best windows for communication and the highest crew morale.

    USS Gridley: Everett’s Ship

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) arrived at Naval Station Everett as her permanent homeport in July 2016. She’s an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer — Flight IIA configuration — displacing approximately 9,200 tons full load and stretching 509 feet from bow to stern. Her crew numbers approximately 280 officers and enlisted.

    Gridley is named for Captain Charles Gridley, the officer who received Admiral George Dewey’s famous command — “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley” — at the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898. She was commissioned in February 2003 and has operated across the Pacific and Middle East before finding her homeport in Everett.

    As part of Carrier Strike Group 11, USS Gridley operates as a close escort and anti-submarine warfare screen for USS Nimitz. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer’s capabilities include Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Standard Missiles for air defense, and Mark 46 and Mark 50 torpedoes for anti-submarine operations.

    Rear Admiral Sardiello on the Mission

    “The Southern Seas 2026 deployment provides a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with our partner-nation forces across the maritime domain,” said Rear Admiral Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet. The deployment’s geographic scope — a full circumnavigation of South America — gives Gridley’s crew experiences that few Navy deployments provide.

    USS Nimitz: The Oldest Supercarrier Still Serving

    USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is the oldest active U.S. Navy aircraft carrier — commissioned in May 1975 and still operating as a fully capable nuclear-powered supercarrier at 50 years of service. She’s homeported at Naval Station Kitsap in Bremerton — a neighbor to Everett across the Puget Sound. As the lead ship of the Nimitz-class carriers, the USS Nimitz’s Southern Seas deployment is notable for the ship’s operational longevity and historical significance.

    Support Resources for NAVSTA Everett Families

    If your sailor is aboard USS Gridley for Southern Seas 2026, Naval Station Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is your primary resource hub at the base. The FFSC provides deployment support including ombudsman services, individual counseling, financial readiness resources, and connection to community support organizations.

    Key contacts at NAVSTA Everett:

    • Fleet and Family Support Center: (425) 304-3680, located at 2103 W. Marine View Drive, Everett
    • NAVSTA Everett Command Information: (425) 304-3000
    • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett: (425) 304-3680 ext. 4
    • Naval Station Everett Facebook: @NSEverett — official updates and family notifications

    The USS Gridley Family Readiness Group (FRG) coordinates family events, communication updates, and community during deployments. If you haven’t connected with Gridley’s FRG yet, contact the ship’s ombudsman through NAVSTA’s FFSC — the ombudsman is the official communication link between ship leadership and families.

    Communication During Southern Seas 2026

    USS Gridley sailors have access to Navy morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) internet connectivity at sea and enhanced communication during port visits. Port visits to Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica represent the highest-communication windows of the deployment — expect more frequent calls, video chats, and social media updates during port periods.

    During underway stretches, communication may be limited by operational requirements, bandwidth constraints, and mission tempo. The ombudsman receives official ship communication and will notify families of significant changes in port schedules or mission status.

    Previous NAVSTA Everett Coverage You Should Know

    For more on Naval Station Everett’s story in 2026, read our coverage of the original Gridley deployment story and our earlier knowledge hub on NAVSTA Everett after the frigate program cancellation, which covers the $340 million annual economic impact and what NAVSTA means to Everett’s economy and community.

    Frequently Asked Questions: USS Gridley and Southern Seas 2026

    Where is USS Gridley right now?

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) is deployed with Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz for the Southern Seas 2026 mission circumnavigating South America. As of the deployment announcement on March 23, the ships are operating in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

    How long will the Southern Seas 2026 deployment last?

    Typical Southern Seas deployments run 4-6 months. The Navy hasn’t publicly disclosed USS Gridley’s scheduled return date for operational security reasons. The ship’s ombudsman is the authoritative source for family members regarding timeline updates.

    What ports will USS Gridley visit on Southern Seas 2026?

    Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. Exact ports, dates, and durations are subject to change based on operational requirements and aren’t publicly disclosed in advance for security reasons.

    Who is USS Gridley’s crew?

    USS Gridley has approximately 280 officers and enlisted crew members. The ship’s commanding officer and executive officer information is available through official Navy public affairs.

    What is DESRON 9 and why does it matter for Naval Station Everett?

    Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON 9) is the command element that oversees several destroyers homeported at NAVSTA Everett, including USS Gridley. DESRON 9 is part of Carrier Strike Group 11 aboard USS Nimitz during the Southern Seas 2026 deployment.

    What support is available for Navy families during deployment at NAVSTA Everett?

    Fleet and Family Support Center at (425) 304-3680, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the USS Gridley Family Readiness Group, and Navy MWR resources at Everett provide support during deployment. Contact the FFSC to connect with the Gridley FRG and ship ombudsman.

    When was USS Gridley homeported in Everett?

    USS Gridley arrived at Naval Station Everett as her permanent homeport in July 2016.

  • What to Do When Your Sailor Deploys from Naval Station Everett: A Family Readiness Guide

    What to Do When Your Sailor Deploys from Naval Station Everett: A Family Readiness Guide



    Q: What resources are available for Navy families during deployment at Naval Station Everett?
    A: NAVSTA Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at (425) 304-3680 is your primary resource. Services include ombudsman coordination, counseling, financial readiness support, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and connection to community organizations in Everett. Each ship also has a Family Readiness Group (FRG) and an ombudsman who are your link to official ship communication.

    What to Do When Your Sailor Deploys from Naval Station Everett: A Family Readiness Guide

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) is deployed on Southern Seas 2026. If your sailor is aboard — or if you’re preparing for any NAVSTA Everett deployment — this guide covers the practical steps, resources, and community connections that make the difference between a hard deployment and a manageable one.

    First 48 Hours: What to Do Right Now

    In the first 48 hours after deployment, the most important things to do are confirm your ombudsman contact, verify your DEERS enrollment is current, and connect with your ship’s Family Readiness Group. These aren’t paperwork formalities — they’re your direct link to the ship and to official communication when schedules change, when port visits happen, and in the event of any emergencies requiring notification.

    Confirm your ombudsman: Call NAVSTA’s Fleet and Family Support Center at (425) 304-3680 and ask to be connected with the USS Gridley ombudsman. The ombudsman is the official, Navy-trained link between your ship’s commanding officer and deployed families. They receive official communication and pass it to families — you want to be on their list.

    Verify DEERS enrollment: Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System determines your TRICARE eligibility and access to base services. If there are any gaps, resolve them through NAVSTA’s personnel support detachment before you need healthcare.

    Connect with the FRG: USS Gridley’s Family Readiness Group organizes events, shares information, and builds the community network that gets families through deployment. Many FRGs use private Facebook groups and group chats. Contact the FFSC if you’re not already connected.

    Fleet and Family Support Center: Your Core Resource

    NAVSTA Everett’s Fleet and Family Support Center is located at 2103 W. Marine View Drive — on base, Building 2103, accessible to CAC-card holders and registered family members. Phone: (425) 304-3680. Services include:

    • Deployment support counseling: Individual and group sessions, especially early in deployment
    • Financial readiness: Budgeting during deployment, managing allotments, emergency financial assistance
    • Transition assistance: For families considering transition to civilian life
    • Crisis intervention: If something goes seriously wrong, FFSC coordinates with command
    • Spouse education and employment: MySECO career resources and connections to local Everett employers

    Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett

    The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) office at NAVSTA Everett provides emergency financial assistance — interest-free loans and grants — for active duty families facing unexpected costs during deployment. Common situations: car repair emergencies, medical costs not fully covered by TRICARE, utility emergencies, travel for family hardship. Reach them at (425) 304-3680 extension 4.

    TRICARE: Know Before You Need It

    During deployment, your family is covered under TRICARE Prime Remote (for family members living far from a military treatment facility) or TRICARE Prime if you live within 40 miles of NAVSTA Everett. Naval Health Clinic Everett is located on base at Everett — your primary care manager is assigned there.

    For specialty referrals, Providencia Everett (now part of Providence Regional Medical Center) and Swedish Edmonds are major civilian network providers for TRICARE in Snohomish County. Know your primary care manager’s contact before you need an urgent referral. If you’re on TRICARE Prime, most services require a referral — emergency services are always covered.

    Communication During Southern Seas 2026

    The Southern Seas 2026 deployment route — circumnavigating South America — passes through port visits to Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. These port periods are the highest-communication windows: expect more calls, video calls, and social media updates when USS Gridley is in port.

    At sea, Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) internet access is available but bandwidth-limited. Many sailors use MWR internet cafes during port calls for better connections. Email through the Navy’s official email systems is typically the most reliable daily communication method at sea.

    Important: avoid posting ship location information on public social media, especially anything about port schedules, arrival dates, or departure times. Operational security (OPSEC) protects the crew — the ombudsman and official Navy social media channels are the appropriate sources for location updates after the fact.

    Everett Community Resources for Military Families

    Beyond the base, Everett has a supportive military family community. The Snohomish County Veterans and Human Services Fund provides resources at (425) 388-3428. The Volunteers of America Western Washington military family services office in Everett offers advocacy and connection. And the Everett Public Library at 2702 Hoyt Avenue has a dedicated veterans and military family services desk with resources on local navigation.

    Commissary and Navy Exchange access at NAVSTA Everett remains available to eligible family members throughout deployment. The commissary offers significant savings on groceries — a practical financial resource during the months your sailor is away.

    For context on USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 mission, read our complete deployment guide. For more on NAVSTA Everett’s role in the city, see our NAVSTA Everett knowledge hub.

    FAQ: NAVSTA Everett Family Readiness During Deployment

    Where is the Fleet and Family Support Center at NAVSTA Everett?

    Building 2103 W. Marine View Drive, Naval Station Everett. Phone: (425) 304-3680. Accessible to CAC-card holders and registered family members. Hours vary — call ahead.

    What is an ombudsman and how do I reach USS Gridley’s?

    An ombudsman is a Navy-trained volunteer, typically a family member, who serves as the official communication link between ship command and families. Contact NAVSTA’s FFSC at (425) 304-3680 to connect with the USS Gridley ombudsman. They receive official ship communication and pass relevant updates to families.

    What does TRICARE cover for family members at NAVSTA Everett?

    TRICARE Prime covers comprehensive medical care through Naval Health Clinic Everett and a network of civilian providers. Most specialty care requires a referral. Emergency services are always covered. Contact TRICARE at 1-800-444-5445 or tricare.mil for specific coverage questions.

    Are there support groups for military families in Everett?

    Yes. NAVSTA’s FFSC coordinates both formal counseling and informal support groups. Ship FRGs organize family events. The Snohomish County Veterans and Human Services Fund (425-388-3428) provides community-level resources.

    How can I get emergency financial assistance during deployment?

    Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Everett provides emergency interest-free loans and grants for eligible military families. Reach them at NAVSTA FFSC at (425) 304-3680 ext. 4. Zero-interest loans typically process within 24-48 hours for verified emergencies.

  • Everett’s USS Gridley Joins USS Nimitz for Southern Seas 2026: What Military Families Need to Know

    Everett’s USS Gridley Joins USS Nimitz for Southern Seas 2026: What Military Families Need to Know

    Q: Is an Everett Navy ship currently deployed on Southern Seas 2026?
    A: Yes. USS Gridley (DDG-101), homeported at Naval Station Everett since 2016, departed as part of Carrier Strike Group 11 alongside USS Nimitz for Southern Seas 2026 — a circumnavigation of South America announced by U.S. Southern Command on March 23, 2026.

    When USS Nimitz (CVN-68) headed south for the Southern Seas 2026 deployment in late March, it didn’t travel alone. Alongside the legendary aircraft carrier sailed USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer homeported right here at Naval Station Everett. For the families of Gridley’s crew — the spouses, children, and partners watching the Puget Sound waterfront — this deployment carries real weight. Southern Seas 2026 is no routine exercise. It’s a circumnavigation of South America, a deployment that takes Everett sailors through some of the most strategically significant and geographically dramatic waters in the world.

    What Is Southern Seas 2026?

    Southern Seas is a long-running series of U.S. 4th Fleet partnership deployments, now in its 11th iteration since the program launched in 2007. Designed to strengthen maritime relationships between the United States and South American partner nations, Southern Seas deployments blend military-to-military training with high-level diplomatic engagement along the continent’s coastlines.

    This year’s deployment — officially announced March 23 by U.S. Southern Command — sends USS Nimitz and USS Gridley south as the core of Carrier Strike Group 11, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 17. The ships are scheduled to conduct passing exercises, maritime operations, and subject matter expert exchanges with naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

    Port visits are planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica — brief windows for sailors to call home, recharge, and experience ports most Americans will never see.

    “The Southern Seas 2026 deployment provides a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability and increase proficiency with our partner-nation forces across the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet.

    USS Gridley: Everett’s Ship in the Southern Seas

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) arrived at Naval Station Everett as her permanent homeport in July 2016, and has been woven into this community ever since. Named for Captain Charles Gridley — the officer who received Admiral Dewey’s famous “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley” command at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 — the ship has a distinguished history stretching back to her commissioning on February 10, 2007.

    Gridley is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA destroyer, the workhorses of the surface Navy. Capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface strike missions, destroyers like Gridley provide the multi-mission escort capability that makes a carrier strike group lethal across all domains.

    For Southern Seas 2026, Gridley’s crew will operate in close coordination with USS Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing 17 as they transit through South American waters, executing the kind of complex, multi-domain operations that define modern carrier strike group operations. And while those sailors focus on the mission ahead, their families back in Everett face months of daily life without them home.

    What Military Families Experience During a Major Deployment

    Deployment is never easy, and a circumnavigation of South America represents an extended absence. Communication opportunities depend on operational schedules and port call windows. Some weeks bring frequent contact; others bring silence. Military families in the Everett area know this rhythm intimately — and the organizations that serve them have built their programs around it.

    For the spouses, children, and partners left behind, the months ahead call for community, practical resources, and the knowledge that help is close by. Naval Station Everett’s support network is one of the most robust in the Pacific Fleet. Here’s where to turn.

    Where NAVSTA Everett Families Can Turn for Support

    Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC)

    The Fleet & Family Support Center at NAVSTA Everett is the first stop for any military family navigating deployment. The center provides individual counseling, marriage and family therapy, financial counseling, deployment support services, and relocation assistance — all at no cost to active duty personnel and their families.

    To schedule an appointment, call the Centralized Scheduling Center at 425-304-3735. For urgent counseling support, the counseling line at 866-854-0638 is available. Every FFSC counselor holds a master’s or doctoral degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology.

    MWR Everett

    Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) at Naval Station Everett keeps military families connected and engaged when sailors are at sea. From fitness facilities and child and youth programs to the newly revived Mountaineering Program launching in 2026, MWR offers the activities and community events that make a meaningful difference during long separations. Programs are regularly posted at everett.navylifepnw.com.

    Military OneSource

    Available 24/7 at 800-342-9647, Military OneSource connects service members and families to financial counselors, non-medical counseling, tax preparation assistance, and a comprehensive database of local and national resources. For Everett families, it’s a powerful supplement to in-person services at the base.

    Ship Ombudsman Network

    Each homeported ship maintains an ombudsman — typically a spouse trained to serve as the communication link between the command and families on shore. During Southern Seas 2026, USS Gridley’s ombudsman will be the primary point of contact for deployment updates, port call news, and family events. Families who aren’t yet connected with their ship’s ombudsman should reach out through the FFSC at 425-304-3735.

    Snohomish County Veterans Services

    Active duty families often don’t know that Snohomish County’s Veterans Assistance Program at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, serves not just veterans but military families facing hardship. Services include emergency financial assistance, food assistance, and referrals to community resources. The office can be reached through the county’s main line at snohomishcountywa.gov.

    The Bigger Picture: What Southern Seas Means for U.S. Partnership in the Western Hemisphere

    Southern Seas 2026 arrives at a moment of heightened focus on hemispheric maritime security. The deployment’s sweeping itinerary — touching every major coastal nation on the continent — reflects the strategic importance Washington places on its relationships with South American naval partners. Engagements planned with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay represent a rare opportunity for American and partner-nation sailors to train alongside one another in real operating environments.

    For the sailors of USS Gridley, Southern Seas is an opportunity to represent the Pacific Northwest on an international stage. These are the at-sea experiences — operating with a carrier strike group, executing exercises with foreign navies, navigating unfamiliar waters — that no training base can fully replicate. For Everett, the significance runs deeper. When USS Gridley sails, the city’s name sails with her.

    How to Follow the Deployment

    Official unclassified updates and photography from Southern Seas 2026 are posted on DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) at dvidshub.net and through U.S. Southern Command’s public affairs channels at southcom.mil. Families can also follow USS Gridley’s official social media presence for unclassified updates and port visit photos.

    A reminder from the desk: operational security (OPSEC) matters to every sailor’s family. Please refrain from posting specific ship locations, movement schedules, or operational details on social media — even information that seems innocuous can be harmful in aggregate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is USS Gridley homeported?

    USS Gridley (DDG-101) is homeported at Naval Station Everett, Washington, where she has been based since July 2016.

    What is Southern Seas 2026?

    Southern Seas 2026 is the 11th iteration of a U.S. 4th Fleet deployment series focused on building maritime partnerships and interoperability with South American and Western Hemisphere partner navies. The 2026 mission includes USS Nimitz and USS Gridley circumnavigating South America with port visits planned for Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica.

    Which countries are part of Southern Seas 2026?

    Planned engagements include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay.

    How long is the Southern Seas 2026 deployment?

    The Navy has not publicly specified the exact duration. Southern Seas deployments typically run several months and include an extended transit through South American waters.

    What support is available for military families during deployment?

    Naval Station Everett’s Fleet & Family Support Center (425-304-3735) offers free counseling, financial services, and deployment support. Military OneSource (800-342-9647) is available 24/7 for additional resources.

    How can families follow the deployment?

    Official unclassified updates are published on DVIDS at dvidshub.net and through U.S. Southern Command’s public affairs channels. Families should be careful not to share operational details on social media.

    → For the complete family deployment guide, see: USS Gridley’s Southern Seas 2026 Deployment: The Complete Guide for Naval Station Everett Families

  • Snohomish County Is Fighting to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future — Here’s Where Things Stand

    Snohomish County Is Fighting to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future — Here’s Where Things Stand

    NAVSTA Everett is at a crossroads — and the community that’s grown up around it over the past 35 years is making sure Washington’s decision-makers know it.

    The Constellation-class frigate program — the ships that were supposed to home-port in Everett — was cancelled by the Navy in early 2026, throwing the future of Naval Station Everett into genuine uncertainty. The station has operated since 1994 and currently homeports surface combatants including destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 9. But the frigate cancellation removed the clearest growth path for the station’s future, and Snohomish County isn’t sitting quietly.

    The Military Affairs Committee

    Snohomish County has rebooted its Military Affairs Committee specifically to fight for NAVSTA Everett’s future. The committee represents county, city, and community voices advocating directly to the Pentagon and Congressional delegation for the station’s continued relevance and investment. Everett’s Congressional representative Rick Larsen — the ranking member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a senior voice on aviation and military matters — is a key ally in this fight.

    What NAVSTA Everett Provides the Region

    Naval Station Everett is one of the Navy’s most strategically positioned installations on the Pacific coast. It provides deep-water pier access capable of supporting the Navy’s largest surface ships, proximity to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton for maintenance, and co-location with the broader Puget Sound military ecosystem that includes Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The station’s economic impact on Snohomish County is measured in thousands of jobs — active duty, civilian, and contractor positions — plus the military families that fill Everett’s schools, businesses, and housing market.

    What Comes Next

    The Navy has not announced plans to reduce NAVSTA Everett’s operational footprint. Current homeported vessels continue to deploy and return. The concern is long-term: without a clear future program anchoring the station, its strategic value could erode in future budget cycles. The Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee is building the advocacy case now — before that happens — to ensure the Pentagon sees Everett as the right place for whatever the next generation of Pacific-facing surface combatants looks like.

    How the Community Can Help

    Military families and community members who want to support NAVSTA Everett’s future can engage through Snohomish County’s government channels, contact Congressman Larsen’s office, and participate in local veterans organizations including American Legion Post 6 and the USO Northwest. Visibility matters — the more the county demonstrates that NAVSTA Everett is a deeply embedded community asset, not just a real estate footprint, the stronger the advocacy position becomes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is NAVSTA Everett closing?

    No. There is no announced closure or reduction. The concern is long-term strategic positioning after the Constellation-class frigate program was cancelled. The station continues to operate normally with currently homeported vessels.

    What was the Constellation-class frigate program?

    A new class of Navy frigates (FFG(X)) that were planned to replace older surface combatants and homeport on the Pacific coast, with Everett considered a prime location. The program was cancelled in early 2026.

    What ships are currently at NAVSTA Everett?

    NAVSTA Everett homeports surface combatants from Destroyer Squadron 9. Specific ship movements are confirmed via official Navy public affairs releases — we follow OPSEC guidelines and do not report operational details beyond what the Navy publicly releases.

    How do I contact Snohomish County’s Military Affairs Committee?

    Through Snohomish County’s government website at snohomishcountywa.gov. The committee represents county and community advocacy for military installations in the region.

  • Everett Fights Back: Inside the Community Push to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future After the Frigate Cancellation

    Everett Fights Back: Inside the Community Push to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future After the Frigate Cancellation

    What’s happening: Naval Station Everett was promised 12 next-generation Constellation-class frigates that would have reshaped the base for decades. In late 2025, the Navy cancelled the program. Now, Snohomish County leaders have rebooted a Military Affairs Committee to fight for NAVSTA Everett’s future — and the stakes couldn’t be higher for Everett’s economy and identity.

    A Promise Made, A Promise Broken

    For years, Naval Station Everett had something rare in the defense world: a guarantee. In June 2021, the U.S. Navy formally announced that NAVSTA Everett would become the homeport for the first 12 Constellation-class guided-missile frigates (FFG-62), a new class of ships designed to restore America’s frigate capability and project naval power across the Pacific. It was a transformative commitment — the kind that brings hundreds of sailors, their families, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic stability to a military town.

    That commitment is now off the table.

    On November 25, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program beyond its first two ships. His reasoning was blunt: the program was delivering only about 60 percent of a destroyer’s capability at roughly 80 percent of the cost, while running years behind schedule and hundreds of millions over budget. The first ship — USS Constellation (FFG-62) — was only approximately 12 percent complete and had slipped from a projected 2026 delivery to an estimated 2029 arrival, according to a November 2025 report to Congress.

    For Everett, the cancellation wasn’t just a Navy procurement headline. It was a direct blow to the community’s vision of its own future.

    What NAVSTA Everett Means to Snohomish County

    Naval Station Everett isn’t just a base on the waterfront — it’s one of the largest economic engines in Snohomish County. The installation is home to approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees, and the Navy’s own regional estimates put the total annual economic impact of military operations in Snohomish County at roughly $340 million.

    That figure includes everything from housing and groceries to car purchases, school enrollment, and the spending of military families throughout the county. The base sits among the top ten largest employers in the region — and when you add in the support contractors, service businesses, and retail that cater to the military community, the ripple effect is enormous.

    The promise of 12 new frigates wasn’t just about ships. It was a roadmap for sustained growth: new sailors relocating to Everett, new housing demand, infrastructure upgrades to the base’s piers and support facilities, and the long-term certainty that NAVSTA Everett would remain a cornerstone of the Pacific Fleet. The cancellation stripped that roadmap away.

    Snohomish County Fights Back: The Rebooted Military Affairs Committee

    Everett’s response has been swift and organized. The Economic Alliance Snohomish County — the region’s primary economic development and advocacy organization — has resurrected its Military Affairs Committee specifically to advocate for Naval Station Everett in the wake of the frigate cancellation.

    The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) serves as the county’s formal liaison to military affairs at every level — from local community support for sailors and their families all the way up to congressional offices and the Pentagon itself. The committee’s relaunch signals that Snohomish County isn’t prepared to sit back and watch Everett’s naval future be decided in Washington, D.C., without a local voice at the table.

    This is exactly the kind of advocacy that can matter. Homeporting decisions for major naval vessels aren’t made years in advance — they’re typically made much closer to a ship’s commissioning date, which means there’s a real window for Everett to make its case for the new FF(X) frigate program now being developed by the Navy.

    What Is the FF(X) — And Could It Come to Everett?

    The Navy didn’t abandon the frigate concept when it killed the Constellation-class program. On December 19, 2025, Secretary Phelan announced the FF(X) program — a new frigate initiative that will be based on the design of the U.S. Coast Guard’s proven Legend-class National Security Cutter. The first FF(X) will be built by Huntington Ingalls Industries at its Pascagoula, Mississippi facility, with a target of having the first hull in the water by 2028.

    The FY2026 defense appropriations bill, passed in February 2026, included $242 million in long-lead funding for the FF(X) program — canceling the last four planned Constellation-class frigates to redirect those resources to the new design. The Navy is planning 50 to 65 ships across multiple production flights, a fleet-building commitment that dwarfs the original Constellation program in scope.

    Where those ships will be homeported is not yet decided. That’s the opening Everett is fighting for. The infrastructure already exists at NAVSTA Everett — piers, maintenance facilities, family support services, and a community that knows how to support a naval fleet. The argument for keeping Everett as the Pacific homeport for the new frigates is strong, but it won’t make itself.

    What Happens to the First Two Constellation-Class Ships?

    Under the cancellation plan, the first two Constellation-class frigates — currently under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin — remain in progress, at least for now. But even those ships are under review. The Navy has not committed to completing them, and no homeport designation has been announced for either vessel. A Navy spokesperson confirmed to the Everett Daily Herald that no decision has been made on where those ships would be based if they are completed.

    For Everett, this creates a layered uncertainty: the 12-ship promise is gone, the replacement program hasn’t designated homeports, and even the two surviving Constellation-class hulls are in limbo. That’s a lot of open questions for a community that had counted on a frigate fleet as part of its identity.

    The Military Community Stays Strong

    Amid the policy uncertainty, one thing isn’t changing: NAVSTA Everett remains an active, operational base with a dedicated military community. The base’s seven guided-missile destroyers continue their rotation of deployments and homecomings. The Fleet & Family Support Center continues serving sailors and their families. The base’s MWR programs, its connections to local schools, and its community presence remain intact.

    Everett has always understood that being a military town means riding waves of policy change. Bases are built up and scaled back according to strategic priorities that shift with administrations, budgets, and geopolitical realities. What distinguishes communities that thrive through those changes is active advocacy — and that’s exactly what the rebooted Military Affairs Committee represents.

    The fight for NAVSTA Everett’s future is just beginning. And if history is any guide, this community won’t go quietly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why were the Constellation-class frigates cancelled?

    Secretary of the Navy John Phelan cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program in November 2025, citing severe cost overruns and schedule delays. The first ship was only 12 percent complete and had slipped nearly three years behind schedule. The Congressional Budget Office estimated each ship would cost approximately $1.2 billion — about 40 percent more than originally projected — while delivering only about 60 percent of a destroyer’s capability at 80 percent of the cost.

    Will Naval Station Everett still get new frigates?

    It’s uncertain. The Navy has launched a new FF(X) program based on the National Security Cutter design, targeting 50-65 ships. No homeport designations have been announced. The Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s Military Affairs Committee is actively advocating for Everett to be designated as the Pacific homeport for the new frigate class.

    What is the FF(X) frigate?

    The FF(X) is the U.S. Navy’s replacement frigate program, announced December 2025. It is based on the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter design and will be built by Huntington Ingalls Industries. The goal is to have the first hull in the water by 2028. Congress allocated $242 million in FY2026 long-lead funding for the program.

    How important is NAVSTA Everett to the local economy?

    Extremely important. Naval Station Everett is one of Snohomish County’s top ten largest employers, with approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees. The Navy’s regional estimates put the total economic impact of military operations in Snohomish County at approximately $340 million annually.

    What is the Economic Alliance Snohomish County doing about the frigate cancellation?

    The Economic Alliance Snohomish County has rebooted its Military Affairs Committee to formally advocate for Naval Station Everett. The committee works at the community, congressional, and Pentagon level to represent Snohomish County’s military interests and make the case for continued and expanded naval investment in Everett.

    What ships are currently homeported at NAVSTA Everett?

    Naval Station Everett is currently home to seven guided-missile destroyers, the USCGC Henry Blake (a Keeper-class cutter), and the USCGC Blue Shark (a Marine Protector-class patrol boat). The base continues to operate as an active naval installation with a full rotation of deployments and homecomings.


    Go Deeper: We’ve published detailed knowledge nodes expanding on this story for specific Everett audiences:

  • Naval Station Everett’s Fight for Its Future After the Frigate Program Collapse

    Naval Station Everett’s Fight for Its Future After the Frigate Program Collapse

    Q: What happened to the frigates coming to Naval Station Everett?
    A: The Navy cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program in November 2025 after years of cost overruns and construction delays, ending a plan to homeport 12 new ships in Everett. Local leaders are now fighting to ensure the base secures a role in whatever comes next.

    Naval Station Everett’s Fight for Its Future After the Frigate Program Collapse

    For years, Naval Station Everett had a clearly defined destiny: become the Pacific homeport for 12 brand-new Constellation-class guided-missile frigates, transforming the base into one of the most significant surface combatant hubs on the West Coast. The frigates would bring thousands of additional sailors and their families to Snohomish County, generate billions in economic activity, and cement Everett’s identity as a Navy town well into the 21st century.

    Then, on November 25, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan posted a message on social media: the Constellation-class frigate program was over.

    The cancellation sent shockwaves through the Everett community — and set off a scramble that’s still playing out today.

    What Happened to the Constellation-Class Frigates

    The Constellation-class frigate program, designated FFG-62, was supposed to be the Navy’s answer to a capability gap in its surface fleet: a capable, affordable, medium-sized warship that could be produced faster and cheaper than the larger DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Congress funded the program starting in 2020, and in 2021 the Navy selected Naval Station Everett as the future homeport for all 12 ships.

    The problems began almost immediately. Construction of the lead ship, USS Constellation (FFG-62), began at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s shipyard in Wisconsin — but the program struggled from the start to complete its functional design. Without design stability, construction stalled. By May 2024, the Government Accountability Office found that the first ship was running approximately three years behind its original schedule, with delivery pushed to at least April 2029 instead of the originally planned July 2026.

    Costs climbed alongside the delays. The lead ship had gained nearly 759 tons of additional weight compared to original specifications, and the price tag ballooned. Secretary Phelan’s blunt assessment: “The Constellation-class frigate was canceled because, candidly, it didn’t make sense anymore to build it. It was 80 percent of the cost of a destroyer and 60 percent of the capability.”

    Construction on the first two ships — USS Constellation (FFG-62) and one follow-on hull — will continue to completion. But homeporting decisions for those ships have not been made, and may not be made until much closer to their eventual commissioning dates. The remaining ships on order have been cancelled entirely.

    What It Means for Everett

    Naval Station Everett currently employs approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian workers, making it one of Snohomish County’s largest employers. The base’s economic footprint touches everything from local housing markets to small businesses that cater to military families.

    The frigate program had been expected to dramatically expand that footprint. New personnel would have created demand for thousands of additional housing units, strained and eventually grown local schools, and generated ripple effects throughout the regional economy. The Navy had already secured $19 million from Congress to build 88 new family-style military homes at the Navy Support Complex in Smokey Point — 11 miles north of the main base in Marysville — specifically to prepare for the incoming frigate crews and their families. That construction was anticipated to begin in early 2026.

    With the program cancelled, the region now faces a more uncertain equation. The housing investment may still proceed, but the population surge that justified it is on hold. And the question of what Naval Station Everett’s long-term mission will look like — with or without new frigates — is very much unanswered.

    Everett Leaders Push Back

    The response from Snohomish County’s political and economic leadership has been forceful, if not always optimistic.

    Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), whose district includes Naval Station Everett and who has spent years advocating for the base on Capitol Hill, called the cancellation “disheartening” but immediately redirected his focus toward the future. In an interview in December 2025, Larsen said Naval Station Everett is “uniquely situated” to receive whatever next-generation frigates the Navy ultimately develops — pointing to the same geographic, logistical, and strategic advantages that originally made Everett the Navy’s choice for the Constellation-class ships.

    Larsen has since been pressing defense officials to ensure that Everett is at the front of the line when homeporting decisions are made for the Navy’s new FF(X) program — the replacement frigate concept based on the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter. Congress has already appropriated $242 million in long-lead funding for the first FF(X) ships, and the program is moving forward, though no homeporting decisions have been announced.

    On the local advocacy front, the Economic Alliance Snohomish County has re-activated its Military Affairs Committee — a group that had previously gone dormant — specifically to serve as what organizers called “a coordinated regional voice that understands both the national security implications and the local economic impacts” of decisions affecting the base. Representatives from the Port of Everett, the City of Everett, Snohomish County government, and the Economic Alliance have all been making trips to Washington, D.C., to make the case for Naval Station Everett’s continued relevance.

    The FF(X) Program: Everett’s Next Best Hope

    The Navy’s replacement frigate concept, officially called FF(X), represents a significant philosophical shift from the Constellation-class approach. Rather than designing an entirely new ship from scratch — the approach that led to the Constellation’s cost and timeline disasters — the FF(X) will be based on an existing, proven design: the Coast Guard’s 418-foot Legend-class National Security Cutter, built by Huntington Ingalls Industries.

    The theory is straightforward: use a design that’s already been built, add naval combat systems, and avoid the years of engineering uncertainty that plagued the Constellation program. The FF(X) program was announced in December 2025, with Huntington Ingalls Industries named as the builder.

    No homeporting decisions have been made. The first FF(X) ships won’t be ready for years. But the Navy’s shift to a more producible design gives Everett advocates something concrete to fight for — and a program that at least has a realistic path to completion.

    What the Base Means to This Community

    Beyond the economics and the politics, it’s worth pausing to remember what Naval Station Everett actually is: a community. Roughly 6,000 service members and their families live, work, and raise children in Snohomish County. They fill the bleachers at high school football games. They shop at local businesses. Their spouses navigate the particular challenges of military life — frequent moves, long deployments, career uncertainty — often far from extended family.

    The Everett Vet Center, located at 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, provides confidential counseling and support for veterans, service members, and their families. The Snohomish County Veterans’ Assistance Program serves as a single portal for veterans seeking help with emergency financial assistance, employment, and benefits navigation. These aren’t abstract institutions — they’re the connective tissue of a military community that has made its home here.

    Whatever happens with frigates and fleet allocations in the years ahead, that community isn’t going anywhere. The men and women of Naval Station Everett serve with distinction. Their families carry significant burdens with quiet strength. And the people of Everett have, by and large, embraced them as neighbors.

    That relationship is worth fighting for — which is exactly what Everett’s leaders say they intend to do.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Naval Station Everett at risk of closing?

    There are no current indications of closure. The base remains active with approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees. While the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program is a setback, local and congressional leaders are actively advocating for the base to receive future naval assets.

    What happened to the 12 frigates that were supposed to come to Everett?

    The Constellation-class frigate program was cancelled by the Secretary of the Navy in November 2025 due to construction delays and cost overruns. Only the first two ships (FFG-62 and FFG-63) will be completed; the remaining 10 planned ships have been cancelled.

    Will Everett still get new ships?

    It’s possible but not confirmed. The Navy has launched a new FF(X) frigate program based on the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter design. No homeporting decisions have been made, but Rep. Rick Larsen and other local leaders are advocating for Naval Station Everett to be a priority homeport.

    What is the FF(X) frigate?

    The FF(X) is the Navy’s next-generation small surface combatant, intended to replace the cancelled Constellation-class. It will be built by Huntington Ingalls Industries and based on the Legend-class National Security Cutter design. Congress approved $242 million in long-lead funding for the program in early 2026.

    What military housing is being built near Naval Station Everett?

    Congress approved $19 million to construct 88 new family-style military homes at the Navy Support Complex in Smokey Point (Marysville), originally intended to house families of incoming frigate crews. The status of that construction in light of the frigate cancellation has not been formally announced.

    How does Naval Station Everett affect the local economy?

    The base employs approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian workers, making it one of Snohomish County’s largest employers. Military families’ spending, housing needs, and community engagement generate significant economic activity throughout the region.

    What is the Economic Alliance Snohomish County doing about the frigate cancellation?

    The Economic Alliance has reactivated its Military Affairs Committee to advocate for the base at the federal level, coordinating with the Port of Everett, City of Everett, and Snohomish County to present a unified regional voice in Washington, D.C.

    See also: NAVSTA Everett After the Frigate Collapse: What the Base Fights For Next | What the Frigate Cancellation Means for Military Families at NAVSTA Everett