Editor,

I am unsurprised that the desperate Sound Defense Alliance recently complained that “the timeline was tight for local groups and our organization to share information.” In contradiction, I have read what one member of this alliance in Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve filed in court demanding a fast analysis.

Nonetheless, the Navy decided to extend the comment period to 11:59 p.m., Pacific Daylight Time on May 13 for relevant comments. Additionally, the Navy requested and received a new deadline of Aug. 15, just in time for a late August special roundup of naval aviation advocates where a Captain “Dragon,” who was one of the “Top Gun: Maverick” stunt pilots, will lead a symposium to ask questions of Naval Aviation’s leaders.

Additionally, Ward Carroll, a YouTuber genius, with this Joe’s contributions, posted a 16-minute documentary called “Locals Trying to Shut Down Air Station Because of Jet Noise” with Field Carrier Landing Practice footage and more. As I write, Ward’s at 80,884 views. Oh, and many Pentagon influencers know to check Ward Carroll’s YouTube.

Also worth noting: The Navy is not holding a scoping meeting at NALF El Centro. There’s no public transit serving the naval installation. Additionally, the locals have expressed indifference to the point the El Centro local newspaper abridged and thankfully credited a Simple Flying report for news coverage. There lacks a single El Centro letter to the editor or public meeting on the subject. Yet El Centro is not complaining about lack of public outreach.

Despite the ‘plane truths’ Sound Defense Alliance might offer, thanks for playing, but game over. Especially considering the lack of interest in your documentaries plus the current Defense Secretary’s priorities, which lack an environmental component. This win of keeping OLF Coupeville Growling is for everyone who showed up and commented for NAS Whidbey Island.

Joe A. Kunzler

Skagit County