LETTER TO THE EDITOR | If the Navy left, Oak Harbor would slowly die

Editor, I have a message for the Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve people: Be careful what you wish for. I remember that, a number of years ago, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station was on the Navy’s base closure list. It seems as though a lot of people had a different view of the situation then.

Editor,

I have a message for the Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve people: Be careful what you wish for.

I remember that, a number of years ago, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station was on the Navy’s base closure list. It seems as though a lot of people had a different view of the situation then.

Now, unfortunately, I wish it would happen.

Except for big chain stores like Walmart, Home Depot and a few fast-food restaurants, Oak Harbor would die a slow death and blow away like an old, dry leaf.

If you keep whining and harassing the Navy about its training flights at Outlying Field Coupeville, they might just say to heck with it, who needs the constant whining from the public?

Certainly not the Navy.

I’m sure the Navy could relocate all of its squadrons and personnel stationed there to another city that would welcome them with open arms.

I would feel sorry for the true residents of Oak Harbor, those who welcome the Navy’s presence, and all the small businesses that would fail.

But go ahead and keep whining at them, but be careful what you wish for.

FRED BECKER

Freeland