Letter: Jet noise a small price to pay
A recent letter suggested that consideration of an alternate landing field for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort needs perspective. I have no strong, informed opinion, but support it if required for safe and effective training of our Marine aviators.
However, while typing these words, two groups of fighter jets passed over my home on Lady’s Island and I paused to put their noise into perspective.
Just last month a contingent of F-18 Marine pilots left the safe confines of Beaufort for assignment in the Middle East. Those brave pilots will do whatever missions they are assigned — missions that may well include putting their own lives at risk. The training they received at MCAS will go a long way toward increasing the odds of their safe return.
When hearing that sound overhead, some choose to whine, but I choose to think of it as the sound of freedom. Putting the noise into perspective leads me to thank God that there are well-trained young people out there protecting our country and our way of life. Enduring a few moments of noise is a small price for us to pay. Stay safe, young warriors.
Steve Lanier
Lady’s Island
This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Letter: Jet noise a small price to pay."