Last night I was thumbing channels. I came upon a CSPAN program showing the BRAC hearings. Speaking was a retired
Naval Aviator describing the problems at NAS Oceana brought
on by encrocement. He described an odd variety of doglegs
that must be flown over neighborhoods for noise abatement
and a final sink rate that was much greater than normal.
They had my attention.....
The speaker was part of a delegation that wants to close NAS
Oceana and replace is as the Atlantic Master Jet Base with the
old Cecil Field down at JAX. This is the first time I've ever heard
of something like this is a BRAC process. They made a good case.
I hasten to add I only heard one side.
Other former Naval Aviators described the difficulties of training at
Oceana. The FCLP regemin is not representative of what it is like
at sea. The manuevers required by encrocement were such that,
at night, is was judged to be dangerous for nuggets.
The city of JAX is ready to transfer title of the Cecil facility back to
DoD at no cost. They have demolished old buildings, built some
new ones, and stand ready to participate in new construction.
They even presented plane to evict the tenants who have leases there now now 2009 I believe. The presentation included area Congressmen, a Senator, the Mayor of JAX, and Jeb Bush.
I was just amazed. I have never anything like this. It will be
interesting to follow what happens.
I invite your thoughts.....
Owen
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