Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the below statement following the Navy’s announcement of a preferred alternative that will be released in the upcoming final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for EA-18G Growler airfield operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). Under this alternative, there will be 118 Growler aircraft at NASWI, and field carrier landing practice (FCLP) would be distributed with 20 percent of FCLPs at Ault Field and 80 percent at Outlying Field (OLF) Coupeville.

“The announcement of the Navy’s preferred alternative represents a significant increase in both flights and noise, particularly for areas around the outlying field in Coupeville.

“I will be demanding swift answers from the Navy on this departure from the historical distribution of planes and flight patterns at NASWI. I will be asking why less extreme distributions were rejected, if the Navy is willing to commit to mitigation efforts and specifics on how the Navy conducted its noise monitoring.

“I am concerned by the magnitude of change this action would represent for Whidbey Island communities. My constituents deserve more information and answers to our questions. I am committed to getting those answers.

“The Navy must answer questions about its decision-making process and impact on the local community. I expect open communication, transparency and a willingness to collaborate on measures to mitigate these impacts going forward.”

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