Editor,

Silence is no longer golden regarding my feelings for the Navy jet noise. I have lived less than a mile from Outlying Field Coupeville for 50 years.

I have found the noise annoying at times, but thankful they are our jets being flown by our amazing young pilots.

In the last 20 years, many people have moved to the island from larger cities. I don’t think they have any understanding of how the Navy works to fit into the community. The Navy men and women have always been generous with their volunteering at the schools, parades, Lions garage sale, car shows and Christmas decorating around the island.

They help with food drives and food banks. They bring over $500 million to our economy. Needless to say, they are a great community partner.

When Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve, or COER, came into existence in early 2000, it seemed a small handful of people thought they could bully the Navy and the folks that agreed with the Navy operations.

They had letters to the editor and articles expressing their fears being created by the jets flying. They had people believing they were going to go deaf and their teeth were going to rattle out of their heads. The animals would all suffer and your property would have little value.

Well, so far I have seen none of this since COER started its lawsuit in 2013. I even had my hearing checked and it is still good.

So far, it looks like this small percentage of people have caused a divide within the community.

I have to agree with Mr. Donovan (Letters to the Editor, April 9). Why would you move to an island with a Navy base that flies jets?

The Navy has determined that Whidbey Island is the best environment to train our pilots. I would want the best for our pilots. They may have to protect us someday. Would you move the Cape Canaveral knowing rockets would be taking off?

Thank you, Navy, for all you do.

Carol Parbs

Coupeville