Having come back to Oak Harbor for one of my periodic

Having come back to Oak Harbor for one of my periodic visits with family, I wanted to express my absolute delight in seeing the exchanges in the News-Times over the “benefits” to the city if the Navy ever departs.

April 29, 2008 10:35 pm

Navy leaves,

city dies

Having come back to Oak Harbor for one of my periodic visits with family, I wanted to express my absolute delight in seeing the exchanges in the News-Times over the “benefits” to the city if the Navy ever departs.

I just recently retired from the service with 25 years and had the good fortune to start my career with VA-52 at NAS Whidbey Island back in 1976. As a result, I’ve seen the changes which have taken place over the last 32 years to this fair community and magnificent island. I also did four years in Hampton Roads, Va., with tours at NAS Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk and have seen the results of rampant development with no concern for aircraft noise and safety zones.

My appraisal of what would happen to Oak Harbor if the Navy left? Fairly succinct: Oak Harbor dies.

Any questions? Good. Class dismissed.

Mark Morgan

O’Fallon, Ill.