Kilmer Secures Investments to Reduce Jet Noise in Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) secured investments to help reduce noise from Navy jets that operate in the Pacific Northwest. The members added an amendment to the FY 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations bill for $2 million to help lower engine noise on Super Hornets and Growler aircraft that are used in current military operations.
The Navy has proposed expanding training missions on the Olympic Peninsula for Growler pilots who are preparing to be deployed overseas.
“This investment will help the Navy be a better neighbor,” said Kilmer. “We all want our service members to be properly trained. By taking an approach grounded in science and supporting new technological breakthroughs, we can ensure that training happens in a way that better protects the soundscape and environment of Olympic National Park and the surrounding communities.”
The amendment prioritizes and expands ongoing Navy research to develop new technology that can reduce the sound of the aircraft, associated hearing loss of naval personnel who work in close proximity to them, and operations and maintenance costs, without affecting performance.
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