The U.S. Navy will conduct a field carrier landing practice (FCLP) operation at Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field with Super Hornet fighter jets that come from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia to train.
The landings will take place Friday to Sunday, April 9 to 11, from 7 to 10 p.m.
“Residents in the neighborhoods around Boca Chica Field will notice an increase in jet noise during the training periods,” states a press release from the Navy.
“We try to get this information out to everyone as early as possible so residents can plan accordingly,” Sohaney said.
The Boca Chica air field will be reconfigured to simulate an aircraft carrier so pilots can practice takeoffs and landings.
“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.
“This type of training provides aviators with realistic carrier landing practice,” said Capt. Mark Sohaney, Naval Air Station Key West commanding officer. “It’s high intensity for the aviators, sailors working the field and even the local communities who will notice an increase in noise and flight activity during the evenings this weekend.”
