The state of Washington is suing the U.S. Navy in an effort to prevent the escalation of touch-and-go practice landings by EA-18G Growler jets on Whidbey Island.
The Navy wants to quadruple its current practice, from 6,000 to 24,100 annual takeoffs and landings.The 677-acre practice field in question is adjacent to 17,000-acre Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, established in 1978. Ironically, it was President Jimmy Carter, a Navy veteran, who signed the bill establishing the Reserve.
NAS Whidbey has been using the landing strip for touch-and-go practice since 1943. A potential addition of up to 36 F-18G Growlers are planned to join the existing 82 Growlers already stationed at the base.