Editor,

Outlying Field Coupeville was put into operation by the Navy back in 1943, one may check this date on Wikipedia.

That’s 70 years ago.

How many of today’s noise complainers owned their property prior to OLF’s use as a carrier-landing practice field? Darned few I’d say.

Now, if they knowingly purchased property nearby an active airstrip, can they justify bemoaning the noise that’s generated?

I think not.

The airstrip was there before they were. If one buys a home adjacent to a slaughterhouse, can they justify complaining about the stench?

I see this as much the same.

Who in their right mind would build children’s play fields, or locate a park, near an active airstrip and then have the gall to say the noise is bothering their children?

I’ve been on North Whidbey most of the time for the past 52 years and I came long after OLF was being used for aircraft touch-and-go landings.

I’ve noted other air bases that were forced to close because, after they were constructed in the boonies, homes were built around them, business opened adjacent to them and the complaints would start.

Miramar Naval Air Station in California is an example, as is Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia.

In the 1960s the Navy spent millions of taxpayer dollars to build a new air base out in the desert to replace the air station they had at Alameda, Calif.

Let us hope that isn’t replicated here.

OLF Coupeville is used for properly preparing Naval aviators for the dynamic nature of shipboard flying.

It’s imperative that the carrier landing experience be replicated as much as possible. This includes flying at appropriate altitudes and speeds as well as having practice fields at or near sea level.

OLF Coupeville is ideal for this training practice due to its remote location and low ambient lighting. It closely replicates true landings aboard an aircraft carrier.

Here on Whidbey, for many years, the Navy had a huge billboard at the corner of the highway and Ault Field Road that stated, “Pardon our noise; it is the sound of freedom.”

Everyone knew an airfield is noisy. I wish the billboard sign was still there.

Caveat emptor. Go Navy!

Don Grove

Oak Harbor