The Navy’s mission is to protect America at sea by defending freedom, preserving economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free. This is accomplished by training, certifying and providing combat-ready Navy forces to combatant commanders that are capable of conducting prompt, sustained naval, joint and combined operations in support of U.S. national interests. Naval forces, including the USCG and USMC, must be ready to respond to many different situations, in different environmental settings, often under crisis conditions. From large-scale conflict response to maritime security to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen must be fully trained and prepared to perform these various and demanding duties at a moment’s notice. 

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Action Proponents will use best available science and methods of analysis to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with conducting training and testing activities within the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area, including activities that involve the use of active sonar and explosives. Most of these training and testing activities have been previously analyzed and authorized under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act - and are similar to the types of activities that have been occurring in the AFTT Study Area for decades. Throughout the NEPA process, the National Marine Fisheries Service will participate as a cooperating agency in preparation of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS).