Big Sur Target Range

* I need some help understanding the Navy’s plan to place a 500-foot bull’s eye to be used for bombing target practice in Upper Stony Valley, next to Big Sur (Feb. 24), an area of pristine beauty and abundant wildlife, including condors. To assure local residents, environmentalists and the Salinan Nation of Native Americans that there is no risk of stray bombs being dropped anywhere but the proposed target, the Navy has argued adamantly that their bombers are very accurate.

If they are so accurate, why do they need a target for training and practice drops? Either their new bomber pilots need to develop accuracy or their experienced pilots need to practice to maintain accuracy. Either scenario necessarily implies the possibility of some goofs. In view of the recent Navy submarine goof with a Japanese boat, neither the Navy’s logic nor its credibility give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

JUDY FIELD

Laguna Niguel