The NAS Whidbey Island Growler Expansion will likely require the establishment of APZs around Outlying Field Coupeville, with locations yet to be determined.  Establishment of APZs in Central Whidbey will result in loss of property rights and property value - as $1.3 billion worth of property lies beneath the noise contours.  Numerous existing residences and public services are incompatible with APZs.  How Island County will approach APZs, and who will pay for the loss of property rights and value has yet to be determined. 

The Navy’s plans to add 35-36 more E/A-18 G Growlers to Whidbey Island, with another 42 on order, would double the fleet of electronic warfare aircraft and concentrate 96% of them in one geographically vulnerable location – a coastal island served by a bridge and two ferries. Not only is this an operational security risk, it is a risk to military readiness in a post-9/11 world.

Coupeville’s Outlying Field (OLF) was built for World War II era aircraft and was never meant to handle modern jet aircraft.  OLF does not meet US Navy or Department of Defense Guidelines for safe use, and operates under a 32-year old safety waiver.  The NAS Whidbey Island (NASWI) complex may not meet criteria for the E/A-18G Growler itself, with intersecting main runways and a substandard OLF.