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Broyles: Relocation would be too spendy

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In response to the suggestion that the F-35’s move to another part of the state or country that isn’t so heavily populated, the costs to move those “sounds of freedom” and all the support units that take care of those aircraft would be astronomical and damaging not only to our country but to our state and those people/companies that support their mission.

It is my understanding that before the F-35’s were selected to be assigned to this training base, the “backup” plan was a squadron of helicopters — talk about noise levels there.

I believe the Luke move was suggested in a similar letter to one of the local newspapers back in 2017. In the two years since, what did you learn; what advice was given?

Let’s just say that Luke and the aircraft that fly in and out will be there for another 50 years.

It seems that there are only a couple of very good options for you to consider — soundproofing your home, fixing any holes or cracks in your walls, seal your doors (and/or replace them with solid core doors), replace your windows with double or triple-pane and insulate your walls and ceilings. All these items might even improve the value of the house so that you can then sell and move further from this immovable force.

If this can’t be done due to financial considerations (or you are renting the property), you could try organizing the interior of your house by way of noise absorption practices — thick rugs, heavy curtains, rearrange furniture by placing large items against a shared wall (like a bookcase or entertainment center).

I used to work near the flight line on Luke Air Force Base. Back then, they were averaging 176 flights per day. But, as time passed, I barely noticed more than a dozen flights, if that. I live in Sun City now (about 11.5 miles away) and I hear the aircraft come in from their nightly training flights. I understand why they are there and how much worse our lives might be without them. 

David Broyles

MSgt., USAF (Ret.)

Sun City