Dole To Navy: OLF Opposition Growing In Eastern Carolina
Dole To Navy: OLF Opposition Growing In Eastern Carolina Save Email Print
Posted: 10:58 AM Apr 10, 2008
Last Updated: 9:05 PM Apr 10, 2008
Reporter: Bill Wilson

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U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole questions the Navy's decision to move forward with plans to study two proposed OLF sites in North Carolina.

In a letter to Navy Secretary Donald Winter, Dole says she recently met with local elected officials from Camden, Currituck and Gates counties. She told the head of the Navy that there is considerable resistance toward a potential outlying landing field.

The Navy is considering two sites in Gates & Camden counties, along with three in Virginia so pilots from Oceana and Cherry Point can practice landings on a simulated aircraft carrier.

The Navy's original site, in Washington & Beaufort counties, was rejected after strong opposition.

Dole told the Navy secretary that opposition to the OLF sites have actually grown over the past several months. She told Winter that it was troubling that the Navy has failed to make it clear what, if any, economic benefits an OLF would bring to Eastern Carolina.

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Posted by: Carolyn R Location: Camden on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:24 PM
What in the world is Senator Dole going to do when the USN offers a lucrative package and the local governments still say they don't want it. My bet is they are working with her and won't announce the package until after November in exchange for her making sure the funding bill passes the Senate Armed Services Comm. Don't forget Sen. McCain will probably be our next President. Exactly where do you think he stands on an OLF? Also don't forget, he was stationed at Oceana once upon a time.

Posted by: Kimo Location: Belhaven on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:29 AM
The last time the Navy showed up wanting to build an OLF, Sen Dole wouldn't take a position until all the legal stuff played out. Now that it's an election year, she is right on top of it. Some representation we are getting.

Posted by: David Location: Manteo on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Hey WITN? Is Eastern North Carolina the only area in the US or at least eastern side of the US where the Navy is planning for an OLF? This topic has been on the news for numerous years now around here and yet, the Navy refuses to give up trying even though their plans keep getting denied.. What part of "NO" do they not understand?


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