25 May 2013

Subject: Notes from the Whidbey Community Leadership Forum on 15 May 2013
1. A Community Leadership Forum (CLF) was conducted on 15 May 2014- a list of attendees is
shown on page 4.
2. Key discussions and briefs:
a) Introduction- New community and Navy members were introduced.
b) Navy Region NW (NRNW) - Rear Admiral Rich, the NRNW Commander, commended the
group for their engagement on key issues and provided a high level Navy update.
c) Base Update- Captain Nortier provided a brief on key issues, base population, air operations,
and success stories from the last meeting. A copy of this brief is provided in separate attachment.
d) Educational Update- Brenda Kovach, Navy School Liaison Officer, provided an update on
Navy and School partnership efforts.
3. Comments and questions during the base brief:
Ql. Sally Hintz: Regarding the new feedback line for noise complaints, will citizens be able to
talk with base personnel as well?
Al. CAPT Nortier: Yes, Jennifer Meyer, community planning and liaison officer, reviews all
noise complaints on the following day and makes requested call backs. Additionally, the
Operations Duty Officer (ODO) monitors call volume and will notify key base players if there is
a trend which may indicate an 'out of pattern' issue.
Q2. Commissioner Price Johnson: How does a citizen fmd out if a plane was in the right flight
path after a call in?
A2. CAPT Nortier- If an 'out of pattern' issue is suspected (typically due to multiple
complaints), the ODO will contact the appropriate personnel including the OPSO and Landing
Safety Officers. If necessary, air traffic tapes will be reviewed. Jennifer Meyer will provide
appropriate call backs (as discussed in Ql).
Q3: Commissioner Johnson: Is a 4
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of July flyover possible? If not, could the community pay
for the fuel cost?
A3: CAPT Nortier: Unfortunately and due to budget constraints, DoD made a decision that no
flyovers are possible through fiscal year 2013. Regarding the cost, the total flying hour cost (fuel,
repairs, recap) is very expensive and there is no DoD precedent to support reimbursement.
Q4: Commissioner Price Johnson: What is the PPV occupancy percentage today and what level
would trigger non-military personnel offers?
A4: CAPT Nortier: Currently at 91% occupancy- by contract, occupancy below 95% triggers
advertisement to non-active duty personnel.
4. Comments during the Roundtable:
Base Military Projections. At the meeting, updated projections, based on funded billets through
the Navy's manpower syst-em, were provided as standard practice. Dr. Schulte stated that there
was a drop in Navy student enrollment last year and asked if more detailed projections could be
provided. The Base XO is looking at alternative data sources. Admiral Rich stated that it is
difficult to obtain solid projections since orders have been delayed due to fiscal year funding
constraints.
Prowler Mishap. Dr. Schulte stated that communications from the San Diego based public
affairs group to the district for the Prowler mishap could have been improved. Admiral Rich
stated that key information was not initially releasable but that general information can be relayed
through local P AO channels.
FCLP requirements. Commissioner Emerson asked about the requirements for this training.
CAPT Nortier stated that there is a prescribed number of successful day and night landings that
are required within a short period prior to a carrier deployment. After the meeting, CDR W orra
provided some additional information.
Balancing flight ops at OLF. Commissioner Johnson asked if flight operations can be balanced
at OLF between the two patterns. CAPT Nortier stated that the base works with the Electronic
Attack Wing to balance field carrier landing practice between both (a Ault Field and OLF and (b)
by pattern at both locations. There are constraints relative to this balancing including weather and
runway status.
Training importance. Rep. Norma Smith discussed the importance of training for naval
aviators.
Navy Band. Admiral Rich was asked about the availability of the Navy Band for local events.
Admiral Rich stated that it is difficult to obtain travel funding in today's budget environment but
that it is important to have Navy band engagement from a community outreach perspective.
OLF Discussion. Admiral Rich discussed some of the concerns that have been raised recently
through the media and citizen letters. A question was asked regarding the viability of an
alternative OLF in a more remote location such as Moses Lakes or Forks. Admiral Rich stated
that the required distance from a main field is 50 nautical miles due to fuel and weather
constraints- during FCLP, aircraft much complete their landings at a relative low weight (low
fuel status) in order to stay within arresting weight parameters. Consequently, an OLF that is
further out would significantly reduce the number of passes before needing to refuel. (It should
also be noted that the 2005 Environmental Assessment specifies a 50 mile or less distance).
Admiral Rich also stated that the Coupeville OLF is one of the best in the Navy- close distance
to the main base and relatively low density around the airfield. He also stated that it would be
exceptionally challenging to acquire a new OLF both financially and environmentally-
additionally, it would take a very long time, likely over 10 years (mid 2020s).
Mayor Conard stated that the meetings with the CO and County Commissioner have been helpful
in understanding the training requirements relative to the OLF noise complaints. She also stated
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that the Navy had adjusted flight operations twice over the past 2 years which helped
significantly.
Admiral Rich stated that the Navy is assessing the viability of conducting a Joint Land Use Study
which would be funded through the Department of Defense and would help identify land-use
compatibility with Navy training. Commissioner Price Johnson stated that she would support this
study and that the Growler training has had an impact on farmers in the Central Whidbey area.
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15 May 2013 Community Leadership Forum- Attendee List
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.. -- -- .. , -- . - ---
l.-ast ::"\ame FirstXame Title Organization
i.,
Federal ..
- '
'
Brown :\lax U.S. Congressional Staff Senator Murray
y
Hirttz U.S. Congressional Staff Senator Cantwell
y
Schanche Mike U.S. Con2:ressicmal Staff Congressman Larsen
y
.
.state
Bailey Barbara Senator \VA State
*
' Smith i'iorma Representatire WAState
y
Haws Dan Representathe elect WAState
y
..
. . ... County
.
.
' Price Jolmson Helen Commissioner District 1 Island County
y
iJolmson Jill Commissioner elect District 2 Island County
y
' Emerson Kelly Commissioner District 3 Island County
y
, \Vesen Ron Commissioner Ska!!it County
*
CitY
. .
Dudley Scott Oak Harbor
y
Conard Nancy Couperille
y
!.1Ia.mell Dean Anacortes
*
iHa,es Ramon i\Iayor La Cormer
* !
; Campbell Jim Council :\!ember Oak Harbor
y
.Cort Larry City Manager Oak Harbor
y
' i\Iunns Beth Council Member Oak Harbor
*
School Districts
...
.
'
. ..
Schulte Rick Superintendent OH Schools
y
Gibbon Lance Asst Superintendent Oak Harbor Schools
y
Papadakis Jeannette School Board Member Anacortes
*
Koschak Karen Superintendent Coupe1'ille S c.hools
*
Chamber of Commerce and Other . ..
' Slowik Jim President Oak Harbor Naly League
y
,Nelson Ron Director Island County Economic Der
y
Reed Kathy Director Oak Harbor Chamber af
y
Hantilton Stephanie Director Anacortes Cltamber of
*
' Eccles Lmda Director Couperille Chamber of
*
- .
Nary
. .
Rich i\hrkham Commander ,l';ayy Region ?\IV
y
i'lortier :\like co NAS Whidbey Island
y
Simmer Ed co Naral Hospital Oak Harbor
y
:walbr Darryl Dl'puty Commodore VAQ\Ving
y
,Gaber Chip cso VAQ\Ving
y
' Proano Jeannie xo Naral Hospital Oak Harbor
y
' Richard Command .l\Iaster Chief VQ-1 I Wing X
y
' Phillips Chris xo NAS\\1
y
:VVorra Dan OPS NAS\\1
y
Dysart i\Iike PWO NAS\\1
y
!\Velding Mike PAO NAS\\1
y
' Lohnnz :\laryJ 1"9/MWR NASWl
y
Korach Brenda School Liaison Officer NAS\\1
y
:\leyer Jennifer CPLO NAS\\1
y
:Smith Scott Business Mgr ::-1.-\S\\1
y
, Jandzinski Gary Imergenc.y Mgmt NAS\\1
y

. *\\as not able to attend due to pnor comnntment
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