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Navy finalizes plan to add 36 jets to Whidbey Island station

Oak Harbor City Administrator Paul Schmidt leans into get a good look at the Navy's newest plane, the EA-18G Growler, Tuesday June 3 ,2008 in Oak Harbor, Wash. The Navy will bring 36 more EA-18G Growler jets to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island off the Washington coast. (Michael O'Leary / AP)
Associated Press

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – The Navy will bring 36 more EA-18G Growler jets to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island off the Washington coast.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports the record of decision issued Wednesday marks the final step in the yearslong process to prepare a required environmental impact statement.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command Environmental Public Affairs Officer Ted Brown says the Navy expects the additional jets and personnel to gradually arrive at NAS Whidbey between now and 2022.

The Navy will also take various steps to reduce jet noise, including using new technologies to quiet the engines and improve the precision of landing.

The Navy has said the addition of 36 Growlers is necessary to maintain the Navy’s overall electronic attack capabilities.