I am a retired naval officer and fully support the Growlers’ electronic warfare mission.

That means I also support the need to have Growler pilots and flight crews trained to use the aircraft and installed systems effectively.

But, having stated my support, I need to remind the Navy that the noise generated by low-altitude flights is a problem.

Let me explain by giving a comparative example. Suppose you have very pleasant neighbors that you’re friends with. One day those neighbors bring home two dogs that bark incessantly. When you politely complain, the neighbors become defensive and do nothing to mitigate the dogs’ behavior.

Pretty soon the friendship begins to fray and over time, the relationship becomes adversarial.

In my view, that’s what’s occurring with the Growlers here.

My strong recommendation to the Navy is to work harder limiting the low-altitude flights and, over the longer term, acquire quieter engines. It will make the “neighbors” happier. And, happier neighbors will make the Navy happier, too.

MIKE CORNFORTH

Port Townsend