http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/06/02/opinion/commentary/20_37_536_1_06 txt
Who owns MCAS Miramar, anyway? By: DIETMAR E. ROTHE - Commentary for the North County Times Our military has served our government's ambitions well and will continue to do so. Yet much has changed over the last 30 years. Military bases, once established in sparsely populated areas of San Diego County, now find themselves amid high-density urban environments. The military presence is becoming increasingly disruptive to civilian communities, endangering large populations. Relocation of bases should be considered so as to separate peace-loving, tranquil life from the danger-courting activities of our fighting troops, for several reasons: Firstly, military installations are primary targets in any future war fought with strategic intercontinental weapons systems. One nuclear detonation can ruin the day for a million residents. Whereas naval bases in San Diego Harbor cannot easily be relocated, military airstrip operations can be moved to facilities elsewhere. Secondly, military overflights needlessly endanger civilians on the ground. In recent years, we witnessed numerous crashes and crash landings of Navy jets and Marine helicopters. Injury and death of civilians on the ground are just a matter of time. Thirdly, our coastal air corridor is quickly becoming one of the busiest in the nation. Mixing unscheduled military flights with civilian air traffic is needlessly aggravating the danger of midair collisions. Navy and Marine spokespersons have repeatedly stated that joint use of runways by military and civilian aircraft is unacceptable because it endangers student pilots. We must similarly insist that joint use of our air space is unacceptable because it endangers to a greater extent civilian lives. Lastly, the window-rattling thunder from low-flying F-18s and the loud droning of Marine helicopters far exceed the noise disturbance and disruption caused by civilian airliners. After years of extensive search for a larger commercial airport site, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority chose Miramar as the best location for a new regional airport. It remains the only practical alternative to Lindbergh Field. But the Marine Corps has dug in its heels, refusing to give up any part of MCAS Miramar. We are alarmed by the cocky positions taken by Marine colonels and U.S. representatives. Reps. Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa and Sen. Dianne Feinstein are pushing for legislation that would block any attempt to turn Miramar over to civilian authorities. But who owns Miramar anyway? Federal property belongs to the people. Constitutionally, the military is sworn to respect and defend us. We should not have to fight the military. We have set aside more than 10,000 square miles of largely unpopulated areas in California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico that are perfect for military training and maneuvers. Let us pressure Congress into reverting MCAS Miramar to civilian authorities and moving the Marines to those vast open sky regions in the desert Southwest. We don't want to share runways either. We need the entire 23,000 acres at Miramar for commercial air services. Lindbergh Field could be turned over to the Navy to support its fleet operations. Remember, when voting next for your favorite congressperson, do not support those who put military convenience over public need and safety. Cardiff resident Dietmar E. Rothe is an aerospace engineering scientist. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)