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Navy chooses Wallops Island for carrier landing practice

Posted at 4:06 PM, Jan 24, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-24 17:00:59-05

Norfolk, Va. – The Navy has chosen two runways at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility for carrier landing practice for E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft.

The twin engine, turboprop aircraft will conduct up to 20,000 practice landing passes annually.

The Navy had studied both Wallops Island and the Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport for the landings, and determined that they would not pose a significant environmental impact on either site and that an Environmental Impact Statement was not required.

The Navy estimates that the flight operations will begin this summer once necessary construction has been completed.

Congressman Scott Rigell issued a statement applauding the decision:

“NASA Wallops Flight Facility is a world class operation and I am encouraged that the Navy has chosen it as a partner to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice for E-2/C-2 aircraft,” Rep. Rigell said. “Home to more active duty and retired military personnel than any other district in the country, VA-2 is proud to support our military in any way we can, and welcomes the Navy’s business to the Eastern Shore.”