Letter: Four reasons air station needs alternate field

It was a distinct pleasure to read the recent letter about the Outlying Landing Field for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The pleasure came from reading a letter based on common sense rather than reading the drama-filled letters that a number of folks have sent to the newspaper.

Common sense tells you that the creation of an Outlying Landing Field or Alternate Landing Field (your choice of description) would enhance the attractiveness of the air station when the next Base Realignment and Closure review takes place. Actually, it would ensure that the Beaufort air station is equally competitive with all of the other F-35 locations that currently have OLFs.

As I see it, creation of an OLF here is a win-win-win-win.

Win No. 1: it makes MCAS more competitive as an airfield vital to the U.S. military.

Win No. 2: it ensures that the Beaufort economy continues to receive maximum benefit from a sustained level of U.S. military activity here.

Win No. 3: it creates a more comprehensive facility for the vital takeoff and landing procedures that the Marine pilots must practice extensively so that they are capable of taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier.

Win No. 4: it spreads the golden sounds of freedom around the county so that none of our residents are made to feel under siege when the vital takeoff and landing practices are under way.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Letter: Four reasons air station needs alternate field."