Make Miramar Safe

While the airport relocation process continues, one issue that has not been reviewed is the safety of Miramar. Operating tactical aircraft on combat duty training missions has resulted in 22 fighter crashes within Miramar’s 14-square-mile “crash zone” since the early 1970s.

A commercial airport on Miramar would be safer and quieter than the current Navy operation and remove much air traffic from above San Diego. But, if Miramar is not the choice for San Diego’s regional airport, steps must be taken to ensure safety around the Navy base. An agreement between the Navy and the city of San Diego could provide this insurance by restricting growth around the base, especially in the “crash zones,” and capping Navy operations at their current level.

P.W. GRIMES

San Diego