Updated at 7:09 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2008
Navy to use Kaneohe air base to test new fighter jets
Advertiser Staff
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAI'I, Kane'ohe Bay — Eight U.S. Navy F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet jets from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine will conduct flight operations at Marine Corps Air Facility, MCB Hawai'i, Kane'ohe Bay as they work with the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron to test the Navy's newest fighter aircraft technologies in an over-water tactical environment, according to a news release from the Marine Base.Residents may notice an increase to noise levels at Marine Corps Air Facility during their mostly daytime flight operations from 8 a.m. today to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 20.
The Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron will also conduct operations in and out of the air facility throughout the testing period.
"Additionally, the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron from Hickam Air Force Base will use their F-15 Eagles in an adversary role, simulating current enemy air threats as they engage the Vampire's FA-18s in mock combat," said Navy Lt. Mark Huber, VX-9 public affairs officer.
