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Navy plans to increase jet traffic on Whidbey Island

Oak Harbor City Administrator Paul Schmidt leans into get a good look at the Navy's newest plane Tuesday June 3, 2008 in Oak Harbor, Wash. The US Navy unveiled the new EA-18G Growler at a ceremony held at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. A proposal calls for 36 more Growlers to be added, for a total of 118 fighter jets, at NAS Whidbey Island. (Michael O'Leary / AP)
Associated Press

OAK HARBOR, Wash. – The Navy says it’s planning to increase jet traffic at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

KOMO-TV reports the force said Tuesday it has to increase training operations and the number of jets at the Washington site in order to protect the homeland.

A proposal calls for 36 more EA-18G Growlers to be added, for a total of 118 jets.

The Navy said it knows not everyone will be happy, but insists it’s committed to researching new technologies to help reduce jet noise in the future.

The Navy said it doesn’t typically fly on Friday nights or weekends to cut down on the noise,

Opponents say they hope to appeal to the governor and lawmakers, and will consider legal options.

Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer is expected to make a final decision in late summer or early fall.