Editor,

Grandma was usually right. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket or have all your ducks sitting in a row.

I was recently shocked to find out that, “All EA-18G Growlers are single-sited at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.”

In other words, most all of the United States’ most advanced electronic warfare attack aircraft are going to be based at NAS Whidbey. This does not make good sense. It certainly contradicts military strategy regarding the diversification of assets. As an example, Clark Air Base housed over 150 U.S. planes in the Philippines.

When the Japanese attacked, they effectively destroyed these ducks sitting in a row during WWII.

We have to ask ourselves, why would the Navy elect to single-site these expensive, state-of-the-art aircraft on Whidbey Island? Possibly this decision was made to save money and accommodate political power to bring federal support (jobs) to Washington state/Whidbey Island. To which grandma responded, “Penny wise but pound foolish.”

What if an earthquake, foreign state or terrorist attack took out the Deception Pass Bridge and a significant portion of the water supply to Oak Harbor? Grandma’s advice and mutually beneficial alternative solutions are available.

My grandma also preached that we should share our wealth. Selecting one or more sites for the Growlers would economically benefit another community, reduce noise here from touch-and-go flights at Outlying Field, and reduce the likelihood of toxic foams being required to suppress fires that could contaminate additional wells on Whidbey Island.

Let the sound of freedom ring out over other regions of the United States as well.

Regarding the concentration of military assets, I have three additional words of advice: Remember Pearl Harbor.

John Shepard

Clinton