Answers on continued Navy training

Posted

This letter is in response to a recent opinion (“Protect state parks from military training” Leader, Jan. 29) regarding Navy SEAL training in the Puget Sound area, asking several questions about the Navy’s special operations training.

Navy SEALs have been safely training in Washington State Parks, without incident, for more than 30 years.

Will tourists and children be traumatized? No, the Navy has never had a complaint. The training happens predominantly after hours with small teams and safety observers. The training prepares our special operations teams to move undetected, over a variety of terrain without leaving a trace. The amount of training has not changed. The difference is the diversity of geographic features and terrain across additional sites and locations, allowing for flexibility to train elsewhere. Multiple sites ensure less frequent use of a particular site.

Will simulated munitions be used in state parks? No. While members of the public are allowed to carry firearms in the Washington State Parks per state law, Navy SEAL training in the parks would not involve weapons.

Is the training necessary? Absolutely! The Navy has an obligation to prepare to defend the country successfully and must keep pace with the capabilities of potential adversaries. Navy SEALs risk their lives around the world daily and we owe it to them to provide the best possible training.

Is this training dangerous? No. No one will know they were there. That’s the point.

Being a special operations sailor is dangerous. Our country asks a great deal of these professionals, often under challenging conditions where there can be real personal risk. We have an obligation to defend our country and our citizens, and owe these sailors the best possible training and preparation. This training must be diverse, but as realistic as possible to prepare these sailors with the skills to achieve their mission and ensure their success and survival.

Our Navy sailors, civilians and families are neighbors and friends. We also treasure and enjoy our unique parks. The Navy expects that this training, which is designed to teach sailors to leave no trace, will continue to have no impact on Washington State Parks, just as it has for the last 30 years.

Rear Adm. Scott Gray, USN
Commander, Navy Region Northwest