Sound Off
By U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station distinguishes itself nationally as home to our country’s squadrons of EA-18G Growler jets. These planes fly electronic warfare missions all over the world, defeating opposing air defenses and making the skies safer for U.S. military aircraft and planes from our partner countries.
Our communities can be proud that the Navy houses one of its most critical aircraft in the Pacific Northwest, and I am committed to maintaining NAS Whidbey’s role as one of our country’s premier Navy bases, including the use of Outlying Field Coupeville for necessary training like practice carrier landings.
I also listened to many people’s concerns about the noise the Growlers create. I understand this concern among community members, and I am working to find solutions that address the impact of noise.
As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, it is my responsibility to make sure our military has the resources it needs to protect our country, to help set our national defense strategy, and to communicate what this strategy means to you back home in Northwest Washington.
Part of that responsibility is to answer your questions and give you a clear picture of the potential number of Growlers that could be based on Whidbey Island.
Congress is currently finishing the annual defense policy bill that governs our country’s defense priorities for the coming year. The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, includes hundreds of provisions that address making sure our troops have the resources they need.
One provision includes funding for an additional five Growlers, bringing the number of Growlers that Congress will purchase from 135 to 140.
I want to be clear: This does not mean NAS Whidbey will automatically house five more Growlers. The number of Growlers at NAS Whidbey will be determined by the ongoing Environmental Impact Study, or EIS, which provided multiple opportunities for public input.
After talking to many people on Whidbey Island, I know there is confusion about the current number of Growlers at NAS Whidbey, as well as the number the base may fly in the future. I would like to clarify the math of the Growlers at the base.
Currently, there are 82 Growlers actively flying out of NAS Whidbey and 12 used as backup in case an active plane is damaged. The maximum number of active planes the base could fly is 118, which will be determined only by the EIS.
This scenario could happen even if Congress had not funded any new Growlers this year.
Under the scenario where 118 aircraft are active at NAS Whidbey, the remaining 22 aircraft that Congress has purchased would be split between a Navy base in Japan, testing facilities and spares at NAS Whidbey to replace lost or damaged aircraft or those undergoing extended maintenance.
Let me reiterate that NAS Whidbey will not fly any more Growlers than approved in the EIS, which is open for public comment until Jan. 9. I encourage you to participate in the process, and you can submit comments online.
Congress’ decision to buy five more Growlers indicates the planes’ importance to our national defense strategy in this age of new technology.
I know the significance of the Growlers is more personal for us in the Puget Sound, where the aircraft make their home, which is why I want to make sure people understand the math behind the number of aircraft NAS Whidbey will fly.
I am committed to working with community members and local leaders to address the impact of noise on local communities while preserving NAS Whidbey’s role as one of the country’s pre-eminent Navy bases that keeps our country safe and protects our interests worldwide.
