Editor,

We hear it all the time. We have the best military in the world, we have the best weaponry and the best, most highly trained personnel. If we accept this premise then we must recognize that our military, along with our politicians, knew what they were doing when they designed, approved, funded and built the Growler.

It was not an accident that this aircraft is the loudest jet ever built. This jet was designed to be loud, to intimidate. It’s in its DNA. The military got what it wanted. The politicians brought them to our neighborhood.

Similarly, we must accept that the people who pilot these craft are thoroughly trained, and Growler 101 surely covers safety. To be behind or below one of these jets at low elevation is to inflict injury. They know the consequences. So why do they not steer clear of schools, parks, children’s playgrounds and private residences? By failing to do so they demonstrate their disregard, if not contempt, for our community. As the pilots are acclaimed for their proficiency and heralded as being “the best,” direct fly overs at low elevations can only be intentional.

Our representatives in Washington, D.C., have all been invited to Coupeville to experience the toxic noise and each has declined. They have done nothing to mitigate the problem. The people of Coupeville are afforded the dignity worthy of guinea pigs and spurned as sacrificial sheep. PETA would serve us better. Remember this on election day, neighbors. We have rights too.

Nobody comes here for the missiles of malevolence. They come to Whidbey for the views, the fresh air, the wild life, quietude and renewal. We are but stewards of this beautiful place. It ought to be respected and not utilized as a repository for toxic noise, dumped jet fuel and carcinogenic fire retardant.

In closing, please don’t rebut with “the Navy was here first.” My grasp of history might be foggy but I seem to recall the salmon and orcas in the Salish Sea, the birds in the sky, the deer in the forest and the native Americans were here first. It was their home for eons. The European settlers and farmers were late comers. The Navy and their Growlers are newbies.

Bruce Fee

Coupeville