DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET
1562 MITSCHER AVENUE SUITE 250
NORFOLK, VA. 23551-2487

30 OCTOBER 2000

Naval flight operations and associated jet noise continue to be topics of great interest for all citizens of Hampton Roads. An additional local issue is the potential selection of Oceana as the location for the Navy´s new Super Hornet aircraft, which will replace the F-14 and F/A-I8 C/D) aircraft. The Navy and the Hampton Roads community have enjoyed a superb and mutually beneficial relationship for years and it is in our collective interests to ensure we continue working together to address these important concerns.

It is precisely because of community concerns over jet noise that we are carefully exploring the establishment of an additional outlying field to accommodate Super Hornet training - should these aircraft come to our community - and reduce aircraft operations at our airfields at Oceana and Fentress.

The Navy, in keeping with the law, is presently conducting comprehensive studies to prepare an environmental impact statement, which will help us determine the best location for our Super Hornet aircraft. Integral to this process is the review of potential locations to establish an additional outlying field. The reviews of potential outlying fields that are being undertaken in connection with the environmental impact statement will further that goal.

It is important to understand that we are not exploring the establishment of an additional outlying field to eliminate air operations from Oceana and Fentress, although it would have the effect of reducing those operations. Oceana and Fentress remain critically important to fleet safety and training and, along with an additional outlying field, would be used to ensure the combat readiness of our aircrews.

We need a solution for today´s concerns as well as issues we as a community will face in the future - over the next 50-100 years - when additional high-performance aircraft will join the fleet. I view an additional outlying field as the best solution for the Navy´s concerns and our fellow neighbors in Hampton Roads.

Public understanding is critical to our efforts and I ask for your continued support as we move forward to address these important issues. I am convinced that if we work together, we can all benefit and contribute to a strong Navy and a quality community.

ROBERT J. NATTER