The Navy released a draft environmental assessment March 7 for the proposed homeporting of USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton.

The Navy proposes to replace an older Nimitz-class aircraft carrier at NBK-Bremerton with the next-generation Ford-class aircraft carrier Kennedy, and upgrade the electrical distribution system at NBK-Bremerton, per a news release. Electrical upgrades would begin in 2026. The Kennedy would arrive no earlier than 2029.

The Draft EA is available on the Navy’s website at nepa.navy.mil/CVN79NBK and at the following Kitsap Regional Libraries: Martin Luther King Jr., 612 5th St., Bremerton,; Bremerton-Sylvan Way, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton; and Port Orchard, 87 Sidney Ave., Port Orchard.

The Navy will conduct an open house March 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Marvin Williams Recreation Center in Bremerton to provide information about the proposal and environmental analysis. The public may arrive at any time during those hours as there is no formal presentation.

The Navy is accepting written comments on the draft EA through April 5. Submit comments:

• Through the project website: nepa.navy.mil/CVN79NBK

• In person at the open house.

• By mail, postmarked no later than April 5 to: Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic, Attn: Navy JFK Project Manager, Code EV22SM, 6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508.