Navy’s Risky Plan Demands Scrutiny

* The proposal by the Navy to fly high-performance aircraft targeting a naval building that is adjacent to the beach communities of Silver Strand, Hollywood-by-the-Sea and Hollywood Beach has not been adequately addressed by our representative in Congress nor by the members of the Board of Supervisors of Ventura County.

The Navy plans to fly high-performance aircraft at 325 knots, 100 feet above the water, that will turn north approximately one mile offshore. Many sea birds, including pelicans, also fly at 100 feet. If the aircraft were to ingest a pelican at 325 knots and the pilot lost control, or if the pilot made a slight error, or if the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure, it could hit Hollywood Beach elementary school or the numerous residences or businesses along the shore.

The supervisors and the congressman should reconsider their endorsement. Public hearings should be held by the Board of Supervisors. And those citizens in surrounding areas most likely to be affected by the flights should be invited and encouraged to participate in the hearings.

The citizens affected by the Navy’s program deserve to have an opportunity to have their opinions seriously considered before the making of what could be a fateful decision.

DON DODD

Oxnard