All U.S. based Growlers (est. 118 jets) are single-sited at NASWI, not only putting the entire fleet at risk, but causing their harmful impacts to be heavily concentrated. Although the jets are based on Whidbey Island, they train over various areas across the state, leading to noise pollution in at least 7 counties in Washington. People are impacted as far west as the Pacific coast and as far east as the Okanogan Valley. Noise disturbance reports have even come in from Canada.

The noise level from the jets is comparable a loud rock concert. Due to its low-frequency, the noise and vibrations penetrate buildings. Training can occur at least five days a week, from morning to late-night. After years of community reports of triggered PTSD, sleep deprivation, stress, and more, researchers from the University of Washington confirmed that the Growler jets are causing dangerous health impacts to those under and near their flight paths. “Military aircraft noise is substantially more intense and disturbing than commercial jet noise,” said lead research author Giordano Jacuzzi. “Noise exposure has many downstream effects beyond just annoyance and stress — high levels of sleep disturbance, hearing impairment, increased risk of cardiovascular disease — these have real impacts on human health and quality of life. We also found that several schools in the area are exposed to levels that have been shown to put children at risk of delayed learning.”

In addition to excessive noise impacts to people, Growler training disturbs important ecological areas and habitats for wildlife. Research has found that the jet noise can reach endangered Southern Resident orca pods at least 100ft underwater. The jets also fly through vital bird migration zones and will too often strike birds mid-flight. These habitats and migration zones are within irreplaceable environmental areas, including International Heritage sites, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, San Juan Islands National Monument and the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Many sites support unique and delicate ecosystems which can be easily upset.

SDA was formed to give a balanced view of the entire region, economically, environmentally, and culturally to our elected officials, the Navy, and the wider community. We seek a win-win solution to this issue - one where both the military and the people and places the military was created to protect can benefit and have their needs met.

To learn more, read our Roadmap to a Remedy!