The U.S. Navy will conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16
and Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 18-19 at Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field with
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft from the Virginia-based Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.
The landing practices are scheduled during NAS Key West’s published flight hours, 7 a.m.
– 10 p.m.
“Our location is ideal in providing aviators with the best training
possible, especially now when other parts of the country are experiencing
inclement weather,” said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Sohaney.
“Field carrier landing practice is high intensity for the aviators and
Sailors working the field and our local communities will notice the increase
in noise and flight activity over the next few days, except for Sunday.”
This training is required for all Navy and Marine Corps aviators prior to
actual landing practice on at-sea aircraft carriers. Boca Chica Field has
two runways that are painted and lighted to simulate the deck of an aircraft
carrier – a third runway is painted but not lit.
NAS Key West maintains a noise concern hotline at 305-293-2166. The Public
Affairs Office can be reached at 305-293-2027.
Photo caption: F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, assigned to the ‘Gladiators’ of
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, at Boca Chica Field in September 2019.
U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers
