NORFOLK, Va. –
The Navy has prepared and released to the public a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) proposing to provide facilities and functions to support the replacement of the aging C-2A Greyhound aircraft with the new CMV-22B Osprey (Navy V-22) aircraft at existing West and East Coast Fleet Logistics Centers, Naval Air Station North Island, California and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
The Navy has scheduled a public meeting for next Wednesday, February 7, to provide information and solicit comments on the Draft EA. The public meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA.
This public meeting was originally slated for January 23, but had to be rescheduled due to the government shutdown. Due to the delay caused by the meeting reschedule, the Navy has also extended the public comment period until February 26. The public meeting will be conducted using an open house format with information displays and materials available for public review. There will be no formal presentation. Navy staff will be present to answer general questions on the proposed transition and the Draft EA. Interested members of the public may arrive anytime during the duration of the open house.
The C-2A was commissioned in the 1960s, refurbished in 1973 and again in 2010. It has reached the end of its service life, and must be replaced.
The purpose of the proposed action is to provide facilities and functions needed to support the replacement of the fixed-wing C-2A aircraft with the Navy V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft to meet operational demands and enhance the Navy’s logistics support mission. Navy V-22 aircraft will deliver personnel, mail and cargo to/from aircraft carriers from land-based supply centers in Norfolk, Virginia, and San Diego, California.
The Draft EA summarizes the environmental effects of the proposed action, which includes replacing 27 legacy C-2A aircraft operated by existing fleet logistics support squadrons with 38 Navy V-22 aircraft operated by fleet logistics support multi-mission squadrons; establishing a Navy V-22 training squadron for pilots and aircrews; establishing a maintenance school; constructing, renovating, and maintaining facilities to accommodate squadron aircraft and personnel; making adjustments to Navy personnel levels associated with the Navy V-22 training squadron and maintenance school; and conducting Navy V-22 flight operations.
Based upon the analysis in the EA, the introduction of the Navy V-22 is expected to have only minor impacts on the environment and local community.
The Draft EA is available for public review at the following website: http://www.aftteis.com/navy-v22.
Printed and electronic copies of the Draft EA may be reviewed at the following libraries in California:
- Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado
- San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard, San Diego
- Point Loma/Hervey Branch Library, 3701 Voltaire Street, San Diego
- Imperial Beach Branch Library, 810 Imperial Beach Boulevard, Imperial Beach
Public input is an important part of this process, and the Navy encourages interested members of the public to review the document and provide comment.
Comments on the Draft EA may be submitted at either of the meetings, using the public website (http://www.aftteis.com/navy-v-22) or at any time during the public comment period from Jan. 4 through Feb. 26, 2018, via U.S. mail, postmarked by February 26, to the following address:
Navy V-22 EA Project Manager (Code EV21JB)
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic
Division 6506 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23508
NOTE TO MEDIA: A media availability has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, to answer questions about the Environmental Assessment and the Navy’s transition from the C-2A to the V-22. Interested members of the media should meet their escort at 1:30 p.m. at the truck lanes on the right hand side of main gate. To RSVP, please contact:
Helen Haase, Environmental Public Affairs Officer
Commander Navy Region Southwest
619-532-3496 or via e-mail at helen.haase@navy.mil.