As summer approaches, residents living in and around Whidbey Island Naval Air Station should anticipate an increase in late night jet noise due to pilots conducting nighttime operations training in preparation for combat deployments around the world.

Pilots must conduct nighttime training. These flights are dependent upon the allotment of available darkness during a given day.

During the late fall, winter and early spring, these nighttime training flights typically end in the early or late evening. As summer approaches, there are far fewer hours to conduct nighttime training operations, thereby extending the time these training flights can occur, according to base officials.

During the summer months when the sun in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t set until 10 p.m., pilots must routinely conduct their training late in the day, often until midnight or early morning.

The tempo of nighttime operations is driven by the student training curriculum and pre-deployment squadron flight qualifications. It can also fluctuate due to weather, maintenance and operational requirements.

The Navy recognizes the importance of being good neighbors and makes every effort to balance the impact on the communities that support the military with required training that ensures the safe performance of the mission.

Comments, including noise complaints can be directed to the new comment line at 360-257-6665, or via e-mail: comments.NASWI@navy.mil

All other questions can be directed to NAS Whidbey Island Public Affairs Office at 360-257-2286.