Outlying Landing Field in North Carolina

CCAJN considers the construction of a second OLF to be a critical and essential element in the siting of Super Hornet aircraft at Oceana. NALF Fentress Oceana's outlying field, was constructed to permit the majority of the operational activity associated with Oceana to be separated from the development that inevitably occurs around a Naval Air Station. Unfortunately Fentress is insufficiently remote to preclude it from being enveloped by an expanding metropolitan area. An outlying field is essentially a landing strip; a few buildings, perhaps with fueling capability; and navigation beacons, all surrounded by a fence - virtually nothing to attract economic growth. Fentress routinely operates around the clock and, when operational demands exceed capacity, excess operations are diverted back to Oceana. A remote outlying field offers the following benefits:

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A significant amount of noise and accident risk would be moved to rural areas; real estate values would be less impacted; and local land use restrictions would apply to far fewer acres of developable land. The dark night, at-sea operational environment is better simulated and pilot apprehension about operating over a densely populated area is reduced. Sailors and their families continue to enjoy the benefits of sailor-friendly communities; socio-economic benefits associated with Oceana operations are retained. Local/regional air emissions reduced; lessens the likelihood of Hampton Roads becoming an air quality "non-attainment" area Improves the image of Hampton Roads; making the area more attractive to business, tourism, and potential workforce.