NAVAL AIR STATION
WHIDBEY ISLAND
WASHINGTON
Welcome to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, home to the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler, A-6E Intruder andP3-C Orion aircraft. Here, aircrew training in electronic warfare simulation and low-level flight operations is unequaled elsewhere in the country.
Whidbey Island, part of the San Juan Islands, lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. This produces only 21″ of rain annually, creating an ‘ecological island’ within Puget Sound. This natural effect, along with the Navy’s commitment to conduct military missions with consideration for the environment, has resulted in excellent wildlife habitat.
NASWI comprises four properties totaling 9,000 acres: Ault field, Seaplane Base, Outlying Field Coupville, and Lake Hancock. Representative habitats include old growth and mature second growth Douglas fir forests, old orchards and open fields, fresh and saltwater wetlands, and miles of scenic coastline.
Public access to these preserved habitats is limited to the Seaplane Base where a vehicle eco-tour has been established by the Environmental Affairs Office. access to other areas is restricted, and is by special permission only. Please contact the EAO, (206) 257-1009, for further information.
BIRDS OF WHIDBEY ISLAND
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NAVY NATURAL RESOURCES AND
LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Navy and Marine Corps manage more than four million acres worldwide. Much of this land is located in sensitive wetlands along valuable coastlines, some of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. The location of our real estate holdings makes it imperative that we plan and execute our various military missions in harmony with our environment. It is a Department of the Navy goal to promote an environmental protection ethic within the Navy workforce.
The Department of the Navy supports numerous partnerships with other Federal, State, local and private resource groups to promote such programs as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation, Wetlands Protection and Enhancement, and Watchable Wildlife.
Jacqueline E. Schafer, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and the Environment, has noted, “It will be difficult for the Navy to succeed in its mission unless it has earned the confidence of its neighbors. To keep this confidence, the Navy must emphasize natural resources stewardship in every aspect of its land use.” It does. Come see for yourself and discover our resources.
The U.S. Navy and Partners in Flight are cooperating on an international program to promote the conservation of migratory birds. For information, contact DoD Partners in Flight by email or call 540-349-9662.