Editor,

I want to thank Congressman Rick Larsen for acknowledging that the Oak Harbor Navy League is willing to “stand up and fight for NAS Whidbey Island,” and the congressman stands “shoulder to shoulder” with us “fighting for the soldiers and veterans today.”

Considering I ride buses for hours to be an Oak Harbor Navy Leaguer to help fulfill my dream to overcome disability to help our superheroes in the U.S. Navy, thank you congressman.

One way I’ve attempted to help is write up a “Save OLF Coupeville” petition that earned more than 1,500 signatures and also supported an Environmental Impact Statement to propagate the facts and find mitigation strategies for the high volume so many, including I, experience.

I hope for great attendance at the December scoping meetings on the EIS to make our patriotism felt.

Certainly OLF supporters spoke up this summer to prevent a naval aviator’s child learning the news their parent is dead because their parent couldn’t train at OLF Coupeville or its replacement.

I also note, (my website) recently posted a public record stating, “A question was asked regarding the viability of an alternative OLF in a more remote location such as Moses Lakes or Forks.

Admiral Rich stated that the required distance from a main field is 50 nautical miles due to fuel and weather constraints — during Field Carrier Landing Practice, aircraft much complete their landings at a relative low weight (low fuel status) in order to stay within arresting weight parameters.”

Hence the need for OLF Coupeville.

Although I support a NAS Whidbey Island third runway under the prerequisite it is found in the EIS to be the most cost-effective, likely OLF Coupeville provides the best training venue for NAS Whidbey Island and respectfully for aviation photography tourism as well.

Joe A. Kunzler
Sedro-Woolley