WASHINGTON
The Navy on Tuesday abandoned its controversial plan to build a practice landing strip in Washington County, N.C., for its fighter jets and said it will launch a fresh study of five other sites - three in Virginia and two in North Carolina - for the $250 million project.
The decision by Navy Secretary Donald Winter was a stunning victory for a coalition of farmers and environmentalists who have fought the proposed outlying landing field for more than three years. It sets the stage for a new struggle between the service and residents and officials of the counties now under consideration.
The Navy's written announcement gave no explanation for the decision, saying only that the service had received new information from the two states about alternative sites. Environmental and other reviews are expected to take about 30 months.
The service already has spent more than $25 million on previous environmental studies and on land purchases in Washington County.
The new sites were among more than a dozen that had been under consideration. All are within 65 miles of Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, the Navy's East Coast "master jet base."
The outlying field would serve as a training site for flight crews out of Norfolk and fighter pilots based at Oceana. Development around the Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in Chesapeake makes it difficult to simulate the night landings that pilots must conduct on aircraft carriers at sea. Navy officials have said pilots would keep using Fentress, though not as extensively as they do now, if a new field is built.
State officials and members of the Virginia congressional delegation said the latest site selections underscore the Navy's commitment to remaining at Oceana, which nearly was closed by a federal commission in 2005. The state and federal governments may be able to offer financial incentives that will make the outlying field more appealing to nearby residents, they suggested.
But officials in Surry, Sussex and Southampton counties, where the Virginia sites are located, already have announced their opposition, and residents said Tuesday that the field would disrupt a treasured way of life.
"When people have moved here from the Peninsula or one of the cities nearby, they believe the quietness of the area will be compromised by the jet noise," said Surry County Administrator Tyrone Franklin.
"The area is rolling farmland. It's quiet, with large-acre properties, open space. That's what Surry is known for. Everything is spread out, and that's the way people who live here like it," he added.
"We don't want to see this on anyone's farm. We don't need it," said Felice Hancock, an anthropologist who lives on a farm near Berlin in Southampton County. A landing field near her home could threaten endangered wildlife such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, she said.
The Virginia sites are Cabin Point, in western Surry County; and Dory and Mason, both along the Sussex County-Southampton County line. All three are comprised mostly of forests and farmland.
Each site has fewer than 500 people living in an area that would be significantly affected by jet noise, according to Navy estimates.
The North Carolina sites are Hale's Lake, near the Camden County-Currituck County line; and Sandbanks, in Gates County. They also are sparsely populated but have somewhat more farmland and less forest than the Virginia locations.
"Based on my extensive discussions with officials and residents in Gates, Camden and Currituck counties, it is clear that the Navy's proposal... will be met with considerable resistance," said Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C. "It is my understanding that the Navy has yet to consult with local leaders in these three counties, which I find very discouraging."
Jeff Jennings, chairman of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, said, "I don't know what else to do but keep lobbying our politicians." He is a landowner in the Hale's Lake area.
In Richmond, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine issued a statement acknowledging that plans for the landing field cause "great concern among many in the potentially affected localities."
But Kaine also said the field is "critically important" to training Navy pilots and promised to work for a compromise between the Navy and residents.
"There's plenty of time to explore all possibilities," said Robert Crouch, the governor's deputy for commonwealth preparedness.
Crouch recalled that as part of the 2005 base closing round, the state agreed to provide half of a $15 million annual fund to purchase property in high-risk areas around Oceana. He suggested that initiative could be a model for other aid to areas affected by the landing field.
Another possibility is a state-backed commercial development that would bring economic benefits to the locality selected as host.
The Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance and the Virginia Port Authority have drawn up an informal proposal to develop a cargo distribution center and industrial park near a new landing field.
U.S. Reps. Randy Forbes and Bobby Scott, whose districts include the new Virginia sites, urged the Navy to pay attention to residents' concerns. The state must honor promises that the landing field will not be forced on anyone, Forbes said, but it also should search for a way to accommodate residents and the Navy.
The Navy's moves Tuesday left Washington County residents savoring a victory.
The Washington County site's runway would have been within five miles of a national wildlife refuge where hundreds of thousands of birds stop each year as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway.
Residents nearby formed a group called North Carolinians Opposed to the Outlying Landing Field, or No OLF. The band of farm families did everything from march in parades to lobby Congress against the proposed site, located more than 70 miles from Oceana.
Their cause was aided, indirectly, by environmental groups that cautioned the landing field would interfere with bird migration, and that the close proximity of tundra swans and snow geese could pose a lethal threat to pilots if they collided.
"I feel a little bit better, but they still own land down here," said Gerald Allen, a Washington County farmer who stood to lose 2,300 acres to the field. "You still don't know what they're going to do."
"They underestimated the people, they underestimated the ability of regular, ordinary, everyday people to band together in a common cause," said Dianne Layden of Belvidere, in Perquimans County.
Staff writers Jeff Hampton, Louis Hansen and Linda McNatt contributed to this report.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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By the way...
For everyone that keeps referring to this situation as a local government issue. The US NAVY is NOT run by local governments. There is a LOT more involved in finding a field and believe me it isn't some grassroots handshake that will make or break this deal.
Ira...again.
You are assuming that I live in town. I don't. I am happy to be where I am in the country...and I would love to hear jets thank you very much.
Patriot has the words of wisdom.
If Virginia closed the doors to NC it would be economic disaster for sure. It wasn't just the Ford Plant that employed Carolinians. They are in every industry and field of work you can think of in VA. It just makes me shake my head in wonder when I think of the biggest VA employer for Carolinians being the Dept. of Defense. They contribute my money to the Albemarle Area than any taxpayer in several counties combined.
Terrorists or Jet noise?
It's that simple people. Those of you whining with the NIMBY mentality are the very first ones to complain about lack of security anywhere. Freedom comes with a price. I can't stand jet noise to be honest with you, but I have tolerated it when I had to. I understand better than most that these men and women in the armed services need a place to practice and that often means that they will in some manner or another invade populated land. Please don't believe that there is a single place that people will be content to have them doing their practice, because someone will always say something about it. NO MATTER WHAT.
The truth is, we all have to sacrifice something at some point in time. If you want the benefits of living in this country, you should support what it takes to keep those very freedoms you so easily take for granted.
Better to support some jet noise now rather than have terrorists running this country later
angelak says "If you don't
angelak says "If you don't like it, move. If you move, buy up enough land to keep your peace." Well, I did. So did a lot of other people. You are confusing in your message. You tell us to move and buy land and then belittle us for living in the country. You insinuate that by having less people we should be slammed with corporate concerns, nuclear plants, and navy operations. We chose to live away from the city and what it has to offer(including nasty people). You mention our support of freedom. If we choose to bear the burdens that come with country life, only to have your ills spill onto us; then we are not really free are we? Your telling us we should do as you do, becasue you know better because you live in town. If people like you are able to dictate the conditions of freedom than it is a misnomer. Again, your local goverment fought to keep the jets in a populated area. An area which you all populated. Your problem, not ours.
IRA
I guess you don't want to share in the benefits of freedom either. I suppose maybe you could start a revolution to have your little area succeed and become an independent nation. This country is more than just divided states. Indivisible in fact.
It's not like it matters. You are just one person. One very ungrateful FREE person. It is the greater good that we are talking about, not your little corn pone hood.
Maybe instead we should seek to have a nuclear power plant placed in your backyard. Maybe a maximum security prison. Industrial buildings and factories. OOh or a chicken plant (I can smell it now). The fact is, you will complain if anything comes your way. If you don't like it, move. If you move, buy up enough land to keep your peace. Until then, remember that we are ALL Americans, and we all need to share the (as you put it) burden.
I hear there is land going cheap in Somalia, or Afghanistan, or if you want to stay in the states, Alaska is peaceful. Don't say you don't have options. America is growing, so adjust.
IRA
I guess you don't want to share in the benefits of freedom either. I suppose maybe you could start a revolution to have your little area succeed and become an independent nation. This country is more than just divided states. Indivisible in fact.
It's not like it matters. You are just one person. One very ungrateful FREE person. It is the greater good that we are talking about, not your little corn pone hood.
Maybe instead we should seek to have a nuclear power plant placed in your backyard. Maybe a maximum security prison. Industrial buildings and factories. OOh or a chicken plant (I can smell it now). The fact is, you will complain if anything comes your way. If you don't like it, move. If you move, buy up enough land to keep your peace. Until then, remember that we are ALL Americans, and we all need to share the (as you put it) burden.
I hear there is land going cheap in Somalia, or Afghanistan, or if you want to stay in the states, Alaska is peaceful. Don't say you don't have options. America is growing, so adjust.
OLF
I don't know if the people of Hyde/Washington county knew that the Navy would be contributing large amounts of money to there tax base. Hyde is the lowest poorest county in NC. I now suggest since the Navy has spent million's buying the property that they turn it over to the national park/conservation and make it a green area since it will be govermant land the county's affected will lose there tax $$$. and the ability for the Farmers to farm the area which will also reduce employment. Also the next Hurricane to hit the area FEMA should make them a low priority since they do not want to support the Military!
tomm58682--Im sorry but I have to laugh..
Ooh, 400 houses. Wow. You must live in a major metropolis down there.
tomm58682--Im sorry but I have to laugh..
Ooh, 400 houses. Wow. You must live in a major metropolis down there.
NE NC.
The comments about escaping VA in these North Eastern NC counties and that it is a VA problem made me laugh. If cross border employment was stopped 90% of the residents of these counties would move North as VA whether you like it or not supports those counties not NC.
We DO have a right to say NIMBY!
The Pilot call the Camden site "sparsely populated" Do your research before you comment like that Va. Pilot, that site is near the largest home development in Currituck county, over 400 houses. It will also be near the most populous area of Camden.
Look elsewhere
I don't think a single aviator is out to make as much noise as possible and I guarantee that these folks flying over your head at midnight would rather be with family instead of mastering a complex task in the middle of the night. The people caught in the middle here are the aircrews and the maintainers who have to make adjustments and put up with these shenanigans. Too much selfishness and drama in these parts... Continue with the BRAC recommendations and relocate the Oceana and Norfolk squadrons to a warmer and friendlier region.
Carriers aren't OLFs
I have seen multiple comments regarding using a retired Carrier as an OLF. There are multiple thing wrong with that statement. First, an OLF is used for FCLPs (Field Carrier Landing Practice). The field is a safe, non-moving enviornment to practice. FCLPs are used PRIOR to going to the boat, otherwise why would be need a field at all. Going straight to a Carrier would absolutely dangerous and irresponsible. Second, do your research before you make stupid statements. A Carrier must move in order to make wind across the deck. It does not just anchor, and have the ships land. I suggest before making suggestions, a little more research be done so you don't sound ignorant. Lastly, Fentress has been there for quite sometime, yet people bought there, and other people are building new construction in the area. This is their own fault. If you aren't willing to look into a new property before you spend several hundered thousand dollars on it, you are getting what is comming to you. Stop complaining, and move if you don't like it. Quit blamming the city because you didn't open your ears when checking out a new property.
Thanks to the greatest Navy in the world.
I hope that in the end the Navy gets what best serves their needs; they are a national cause. The people in VA Beach have the freedom to move if they don't like the jet noise, so will people living near the location of the new OLF. I would move if the noise bothered me.
When I hear a jet flying I think to myself, thank goodness it isn't an enemy plane.
I have and always will put the men and women of the United States Armed Forces first.
Blackhat72
Amen. You all in VA fought to keep the jets. Stick to your guns and supoort them in the hunt for an OLF. I personally live in an area with several refuges so I am in the clear. However, the large part of NE NC's population is here to get away from what VA has to offer. This is your issue VA. Currituck is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Why would you want to repeat your mistake?
landing
I have laughed so hard since I moved here.
In every major city that has an international airport, The people who bought near them complained when bigger and much noisier planes came.
Then there are people who buy next to busy freewaays and need a sound barrier. Where are their brains?
Gone with the wind.!
Get a life.
Navy OLF
Folks, I used to live one half mile south of the main runway of Oceana. I knew the base was there when I bought the place. I never whined about jet noise. Ever. I support the military, which is why I make my living building the things they need to function. But, when I had had enogh of it, I bought a house in Gates County, NC. I moved to get away from the noise and the risk to my family.
Now, the Navy wants to move the jets into my new backyard. And cut my property values in half. I have a new proposal. Buy up all of the property within a 10 mile radius of Oceana and bulldoze the whole thing. Start with the city government offices, since they were the ones that allowed the mess to be created. Then they can demolish the buildings on Atlantic Avenue and use it for a landing strip. Imagine, practicing carrier landings somewhere you can actually see WATER! What an interesting concept.
The people of Virginia Beach knew the base was there when they built everything around it, and now they don't want the jets to leave. They just want the noise to go somewhere else.
NOT IN MY BACK YARD!!!
Not Much Good
I can assure everyone an OLF will do very little to curb noise pollution in Va Bch. Touch and go's effect a select few due to the tight patterns. When an OLF is built you will still have jets all day and night over Hilltop, the Oceanfront, Princess Anne, Bow Creek, Sandbridge..etc..
Response
"It's just like the people whining about Oceana. Did they always think it was going to be propellors or small little jets? Heck No! Just get on with it!" Please explain what that means. We currently have no planes of any kind flying at low altitudes out here at one of the five. This would bring the problem TO us. You keep your planes and your jobs.