Schofield demonstration gives civilians an earful

By Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Army has given civilians near Schofield Barracks a show-and-hear-and-tell demonstration of aircraft flights, small-arms fire and simulated grenades so they can better understand the noises from training.

The Dec. 8 presentation followed a change in training flight routes in September in response to community complaints.

Kristine Davidson, who lives in Island Bungalows, thanked the Army for changing the routes. She said aircraft had flown so low over her house her son could make eye contact with pilots.

The presentation began when a pair of multiwheeled Army vehicles pulled into the neighborhood with noise monitoring and communications equipment.

While sound levels in the homes were being monitored, soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light) called for the firing of weapons on the nearby East Range.

"The demonstration brought an awareness to the community," said Sgt. 1st Class Rafael Andrade, of Headquarters and Headquarters Support, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment. "They understand we need to be able to train and that we're on call to be anywhere in the world."

Andrade told the residents that the training activities should not go any farther south than where they are.

City Councilwoman Rene Mansho praised the effort as "a definite success."

Reach Walter Wright at 525-8054 or wwright@honouluadvertiser.com