To the editor:

We at Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club strive to be good neighbors — as good as an active gun club can be. After all, we are a gun club and guns can be loud.

For six days in February between 1 and 4 p.m. our neighbors might have been curious or even concerned with the amount of gunfire taking place at the club. Culminating on Friday, Feb. 26 the U.S. Coast Guard SWAT team, or more exactly the USCG Maritime Securities Response Team, was hosted by the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club as they went through numerous training scenarios on our rifle and pistol ranges. This is a select unit of marksmen from Chesapeake Bay deployed to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the duration of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Due to security issues we were unable to publicize the training prior to their arrival. Onlookers were welcome, however, and many of us were able to witness the skill and efficiency repeatedly demonstrated by the MSRT.

As impressive as this was, we were even more impressed by the politeness, courtesy and respect shown by these fine young men. Our grounds were left in improved condition, and each of the more than 35 men personally thanked us for providing them a place to train. No other range (including NAS Whidbey) was able to provide the type of facility needed for their drills. The one-time training period is over, and the unit has returned to the East Coast.

We are grateful for the overwhelming support our members and neighbors have voiced concerning our decision to allow the MSRT to train here and we’re sorry for the extra noise; it was for a really good cause.

Michael McInerney

Range Chairman

Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club