Hundreds of people attended a public open house Dec. 4 at Fort Worden Commons, hosted by the Navy as part of its ongoing Environmental Impact Statement process for expanding its fleet of EA-18G Growler jets at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Strong opposition to the expansion was evident by comments of individuals and the presence of groups such as Citizens of Ebeys Reserve. People voiced concerns about what they say is noise pollution, associated health risks and threats to the environment with the expansion proposal.

The Navy is also proposing to conduct an Electromagnetic Radiation Warfare Training Program in the western part of the Olympic Peninsula, installing 14 mobile towers in and near the Olympic National Forest with which the Growler jets would engage on training flights.

Information stations in the crowded Commons meeting room were titled "Aircraft Noise," "Growler Operations," "National Environmental Policy Act," "EIS Alternatives" and "Proposed Action."

Several Navy representatives staffed each table; more representatives, wearing green flight suits, circulated through the room. Two tables dedicated to collecting written comments from the public were busy with writers.

Outside in the rainy parking lot was a large sign atop a vehicle that outlined some of the vehement opposition to expanded Growler jets on Whidbey. Someone wearing a long black robe and a Guy Fawkes mask stood nearby. Another person distributed green ribbons for people to wear who oppose the additional Growler jets.

Written comments may be submitted until Jan. 9, 2015, to: EA-18G EIS Project Manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, Attn: Code EV21/SS, 6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508; or online at the project website,

whidbeyeis.com, on the “Comments” page.