[CPEO-MEF] ENCROACHMENT: Naval Air Facility El Centro (CA)

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

Training ranges are critical

Opinion by REAR ADM. WILLIAM DOUGLAS FRENCH
Imperial Valley Press (CA)
April 29, 2010

Navy presence and naval aviation have been an integral part of El Centro 
and the Valley since the early days of World War II, beginning not long 
after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Our history runs deep and strong. We 
live here, train here and raise our families here because of this 
installation.

We belong here and are extremely proud to be a part of this great community.

A proposal has been made to place 1,475 recreational vehicle and resort 
residential units on a 1,100-acre site located adjacent to our 
operational training range and within restricted airspace that is 
designed to ensure the safety of the general public and those who use 
the ranges. This action could lead to additional encroachment in the 
future and impact our ability to conduct vital training needed to ensure 
our sailors, Marines, soldiers and airmen are prepared to defend 
America’s interests.

As the commander of Navy Region Southwest, I am responsible for Naval 
Air Facility El Centro and the other Navy installations in the 
Southwestern six states. Navy Region Southwest’s bases and training 
ranges allow ships to sail, aircraft to fly and realistic training to be 
conducted in order to respond quickly anywhere in the world.

...

For the entire column, see
http://www.ivpressonline.com/articles/2010/04/29/our_opinion/ed01_04-29-10.txt

--


Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org



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