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Do you object to the noise from the Klamath Falls Airport?
Some people do, but others consider it the “sound of freedom,” and feel the airport operations are a vital part of the local economy.
What do you think? Please send us your comments.
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
What do you think? Please send us your comments.
— Opinion Editor Pat Bushey
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| How do you feel about the way alcohol was handled at the air show? | What should Klamath Falls do about the loss of Horizon Air? |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
kat wrote on Nov 26, 2008 3:41 PM:
" For those that complain about all the noise, and think it's and intrusion. Our jets are not the only noisemakers that fly in and out of the Klamath Basin. People that live near the Airport and the Railroad, get use to the noise, even though at 9:30 pm it's not the most idealist sound as you put kids down for the nite. I get use to telling people to hold on a sec as they fly out over my house, for all those other that complain about the noise, next summer will be a lot quiter. While my kids and I will miss the noise and the entertainment there will be many in this community that will realize just how quiet it is w/out the jets. "
pete wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:53 AM:
" to "Vanessa" and others, I did my time as a military officer and was raised on and around bomber bases as my Dad was a B-52 pilot, squadron commander, etc. First: Noise is a valid concern and I thank the Colonels and whomever for acting to reduce it. Last year or so there has been much less low-level afterburner blasts ..THANK YOU. Second: Talking about and working to address our town's negative issue [noise] is constructive. Calling people names, like "Unpatriotic" and telling them "just move away" is not constructive. Third: I found the Luke Air Force Base's Lt. Col.'s letter very snotty and condescending. I hope he was blasted for it. The writer had a most legitimate question about 4 F-16s screaming over populated areas at low levels. The writer deserved a civil, not sneering, response. Fourth: Yes, they protect us...and we pay their bills. Mutual courtesy and working together has worked! The jet noise is less now! "
BS wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:51 AM:
" Merrill,
Your roots don't run any deeper in this town than any of the ANG members here.
Why is it acceptable that people can voice opinions about the base closing and people having to leave, but not acceptable for for anyone to tell the complainers that they are free to leave?
And if you think the housing market is tanked now, how about adding another 300-400 homes into the mix from your unemployed Guardsmen.
But it'll be quieter for people......... "
Your roots don't run any deeper in this town than any of the ANG members here.
Why is it acceptable that people can voice opinions about the base closing and people having to leave, but not acceptable for for anyone to tell the complainers that they are free to leave?
And if you think the housing market is tanked now, how about adding another 300-400 homes into the mix from your unemployed Guardsmen.
But it'll be quieter for people......... "
Merrill wrote on Nov 25, 2008 6:22 AM:
" I have been reading your blog with interest, and am disturbed by the advice that many of your readers give, "Just move." Just moving is not an option for most of us. We have jobs here, we have friends and relatives here, we are members of churches and civic organizations, we have much of our personal investment in the form of our homes and property here, and with a real estate market that has tanked, there are no buyers. So how does one just move away from "The Sound of Freedom"? To say "Just move" is just too simplistic. "
Vanessa wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:16 PM:
" As an add on to my earlier posted blog.
Living directly across from the airport I am never awaken by the jets nor the cars on the highway or the trians that are on the tracks less than 1 mile away.
I was born and raised here. These sounds are part of my life. There would be such a void with out them!!!
And if the pilots want to make a little more noise than nesscary while flying, get over it people, they have earned that right by serving our country and by becoming pilots. I don't see any of you complainers joinign a branch of the military and training to become a pilot.
I am also a nanny to a member of the Air National Guard that is serving over in Afgan. right now. And if it wasn't for Kingsley Field he wouldn't be helping the country that we helped destroy and rebuilding it so that that country can prosper to its potentional. We as a commUNITY and a country need the Air Port and the Base for our FREEDOM and our towns economical purpose.
Again, If you are going to complian about the trains and the jets, MOVE you are not legally stuck in this town, you have the FREEDOM to move!!!!
Thank You everyone that is employed by the United States to serve our country. You are appreciated!! Pilots keep flying. "
Living directly across from the airport I am never awaken by the jets nor the cars on the highway or the trians that are on the tracks less than 1 mile away.
I was born and raised here. These sounds are part of my life. There would be such a void with out them!!!
And if the pilots want to make a little more noise than nesscary while flying, get over it people, they have earned that right by serving our country and by becoming pilots. I don't see any of you complainers joinign a branch of the military and training to become a pilot.
I am also a nanny to a member of the Air National Guard that is serving over in Afgan. right now. And if it wasn't for Kingsley Field he wouldn't be helping the country that we helped destroy and rebuilding it so that that country can prosper to its potentional. We as a commUNITY and a country need the Air Port and the Base for our FREEDOM and our towns economical purpose.
Again, If you are going to complian about the trains and the jets, MOVE you are not legally stuck in this town, you have the FREEDOM to move!!!!
Thank You everyone that is employed by the United States to serve our country. You are appreciated!! Pilots keep flying. "
Vanessa wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:53 PM:
" I live directly acrossed the Southside Bypass from the airport and I am very proud and happy to hear the jets flying over at al hours of the day. They symbolize freedom, our government at work and everything that our government stands for!!!
All I have to say is that if you don't like the noise move. There are plenty of other places to live with out the noise of FREEDOM!!! "
All I have to say is that if you don't like the noise move. There are plenty of other places to live with out the noise of FREEDOM!!! "
Felix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:23 PM:
" Dear UB, Please refrain from insulting other writers by calling them uneducated. And kindly save the UAW for another blog. However, if you have some inside information indicating that a F-15 training base is not a potential target, please refer me to the source, I would like to read it also. "
Wake Up wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:35 AM:
" Seriously people WAKE UP... Does anyone realize what this base does for the community and the US for that matter? No one wants to go to war, no one wants to see our fellow americans dying, but unfortunately that is the world today. We have to fight for our freedom we have to be able to train day and Night(yes at night) so if and when the time comes we are ready as a country to defend the American People, that means you. Stop complaining. The ecomony sucks right now and it will only get worse. What do you think it will be like if the base leaves? They are one of the biggest employers in town if not the biggest.
Think about this.... This is not a typical base. They don't have all the stores and gas stations that most bases have so all the money that the base employees and their families spend goes "INTO THE COMMUNITY." Take all that away and look you have something new to complain about " NO STORES TO SHOP IN DUE TO LACK OF BUSINESS".
Wake up people, get over it, learn to love the sound of freedom. "
Think about this.... This is not a typical base. They don't have all the stores and gas stations that most bases have so all the money that the base employees and their families spend goes "INTO THE COMMUNITY." Take all that away and look you have something new to complain about " NO STORES TO SHOP IN DUE TO LACK OF BUSINESS".
Wake up people, get over it, learn to love the sound of freedom. "
Laura wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:14 AM:
" I always say the sounds or the jets make me feel safe, I love them, I love that we have these wonderful men and woman that serve our country right here in our backyards!! i have nothing to do with h&n or the military, not even a family member in the service, unfortunatelly!! god bless them all!! "
VFWBill wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:48 AM:
" Ok for all you complainers Klamath is a training facility and yes night training is required (see iraq 2001). The next Item is the sound of freedom if you don't choose to call it that, call it the sound of our little town surviving on the multi millions of dollars a year the base pumps into our local economy.
I find it hard to believe that we are so ignorant to see the air base as anything but a blessing to our community and have your chest swell just a little bit when the jets go over head but I guess it's all just a matter of attitude.
I really enjoy Klamath Falls but we have far to many complainers in our community who choose to sit back and point out the negatives instead of expending thier energy in a positive manner.
There is far to much negative attitude in our town and no matter what you say you are in control of your attitude, you make that decision every day on how you are going to react to life. "
I find it hard to believe that we are so ignorant to see the air base as anything but a blessing to our community and have your chest swell just a little bit when the jets go over head but I guess it's all just a matter of attitude.
I really enjoy Klamath Falls but we have far to many complainers in our community who choose to sit back and point out the negatives instead of expending thier energy in a positive manner.
There is far to much negative attitude in our town and no matter what you say you are in control of your attitude, you make that decision every day on how you are going to react to life. "
UB wrote on Nov 23, 2008 11:21 AM:
" You're uneducated. The F-15's at Kingsley train student pilots. They don't have a war mission and the Russians know it. How would anyone believe a strategic plan to defeat the US depends on striking K-Falls.
Concentrate on decertifying the UAW, so our economy can grow. "
Concentrate on decertifying the UAW, so our economy can grow. "
Ginger wrote on Nov 23, 2008 10:35 AM:
" Good point, Jeb. Today's H&N includes a headline about schools being "asked" to cut down on expenses. Did that unhealthy building at Henley School ever get fixed, or are kids who attend still getting sick? What future does our freedom have years down the road if our population is too poorly educated to complete with foreign technology? Does anyone at Kingsley know how much the fuel costs to run the F-15s for one day?
Wouldn't it be patriotic of our local Air Force to fly a bit less often, a tad less noisily, and donate the money they save to our starved Klamath County school system? "
Wouldn't it be patriotic of our local Air Force to fly a bit less often, a tad less noisily, and donate the money they save to our starved Klamath County school system? "
jed wrote on Nov 22, 2008 12:35 PM:
" we spend sooo much cash on war machines and jack squat on schooling...anything wrong with this picture? "
freedom yeah right wrote on Nov 22, 2008 12:23 PM:
" i believe that you have been properly brainwashed if you have associated f-15's with freedom. looks like the military industrial complex has succeeded with their 50 years of propaganda. the united states' production capability is in the crapper, aside from weapons manufacturing. my brother is a mechanical engineer for locheed martin, on of the largest weapon manufacturers in the world. according to him they blaitantly watse tax payer on money on mundane programs to make death machines. to quote this conservative man "i wish they would give the money back to the people." when youre on the buisness end of a fighter bomber ask yourself if its the sound of freedom. to me, the sound of freedom is, "hi welcome to _____ may i take your order." "
Scott wrote on Nov 22, 2008 8:18 AM:
" BS, I did not follow the logic of your police officer and rear view mirror anecdote, but at least you are now realizing that we do live in a targeted location, and when the MIRV comes in the F-15s won't be able to do a thing to protect you, no matter how much you love them. I would leave the target area if I could, but who would want to purchase my home in this town, even Californian's are not that dumb as to want to move into an area with an active Air National Guard base. "
BS wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:57 PM:
" Just like police officers huh Scott.
Everybody likes them until they're in your rear view mirror..........
Here's an idea, why don't YOU move out of the target area? "
Everybody likes them until they're in your rear view mirror..........
Here's an idea, why don't YOU move out of the target area? "
Farnsworth wrote on Nov 20, 2008 3:31 PM:
" Scott is right. Why didn't I think of that? There is probably a Russian nuclear submarine somewhere under the deep blue Pacific or the Arctic ice right at this very moment, loaded with missiles having nuclear tipped multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, one of them with Kingsley co-ordinates programmed into it. When Kingsley closes down, they will reprogram that MIRV with the co-ordinates of another hapless location, then we can all relax. "
Scott wrote on Nov 20, 2008 9:22 AM:
" Robert makes two very good points, first, the medical problems created by loud noises for some people has been proven. Even those of us who claim we "love the noise of jets" are being negatively affected by the noise both medically and psychologically. And second, those who feel safer with the F-15s nearby should realize that in the event of attack, military bases are the first to be destroyed by nuclear missiles in order to neutralize our defenses. Kingsley Field as well as everyone within miles would be destroyed before we even knew what was happening. If Kingsley Field were not here, there would be no target. Ponder that military truth for a while, and decide if you still want them here. "
Robert wrote on Nov 19, 2008 4:40 PM:
" Let me see if I understand. Pacific Power builds dams on the Klamath River and fails to install fish ladders in the process, thus destroying one of the major salmon runs in the West. Now instead of building those ladders they want to have the dams removed at customers' expense. And the Bush administration wants to exchange clean hydroelectric power for dirty coal burning power. And there's no proof that removing the dams would improve water quality. Hmmm. "
Robert wrote on Nov 19, 2008 4:32 PM:
" It has been clinically proven that loud noises, such as those produced by jet airplanes and train horns, drastically raise blood pressure in those who are asleep. This can be very dangerous for some. With all the technology surely there's a better way than train horns. It doesn't make this town safer to have an airbase here. It makes this town an inevitable target. "
Farnsworth wrote on Nov 18, 2008 9:37 PM:
" What a touching story. The complainers at the mall must have been so embarrassed to learn that this dangerous low level flight over a densely populated area was in honor of a pilot who gave his life in the defense of freedom. Freedom from what, a deadly attack by the Iraq Air Force? From Weapons of Mass Destruction? What? Tell us what he died for. Please? We should all know. "
kkitch87charter.net wrote on Nov 18, 2008 5:14 PM:
" Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization who complain about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.
Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Does the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 A.M., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 A.M. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of theUnited States and all those veterans and servicemen and wom en who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom.
We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you . . . Jesus Christ and the American Servicemen and Women of the U.S. armed services. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
I thought this was very appropriate for your comment section. Hope your readers enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to the United States Military for my Freedom.
Sincerely,
K.Kitchen "
Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.
When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.
The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Does the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.
The response:
Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 A.M., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 A.M. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of theUnited States and all those veterans and servicemen and wom en who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom.
We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you . . . Jesus Christ and the American Servicemen and Women of the U.S. armed services. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.
USAF
I thought this was very appropriate for your comment section. Hope your readers enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to the United States Military for my Freedom.
Sincerely,
K.Kitchen "
Edgar wrote on Nov 18, 2008 5:13 PM:
" Lou, I am a retired member of the Hell's Angels, therefore to call our idolized jet pilots the airborne version of the Hell's Angels is not an insult. We both make noise for the sake of noise, and the folks around here seem to love noise, judging from all the letters in this series. Lou, would YOU have the gall to say to me in person that I am making "false accusations" and "presumptuous and immature remarks" showing how "extremely little I know." If you did, I would acknowledge you respectfully, giving you the courtesy that you seem to admire but are unable to provide yourself. "
Diane wrote on Nov 18, 2008 3:40 PM:
" I don't object to the noise at all. It is definitely the sound of freedom. It always gives me a feeling of security when the jets fly over. "
dee wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:54 AM:
" I do not object to the noise where I live, and even if I lived closer to the airport I still would not object to the noise because it was my choice to live there. It seems that the City and County approved these developments in close proximenity to the airport and now they are "Johnny Come Latelys" with their noise overlay rezoning. Well they created the problem and now they will have to solve it, and they will probably use our tax dollars to do it, if measure 49 sides with the people. Not very good planning I would say. "
Debbie wrote on Nov 16, 2008 9:58 AM:
" Let them fly day and night! The jets are the sound of freedom! The airport has been there a long time and I bet that most that complain are not native to K Falls. Most people investigate where they buy their homes before they sign on the line. The jets won't bother your property rights unless non supporters of the USA are looking to buy. Let them move elsewhere! Support our Troops! God Bless American and our Soldiers that defend the USA! "
Missy wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:58 AM:
" In reading this blog and the one about the "Overlap rezoning", I think this issue has more to do with Measure 49/37 than it does with just us hearing the noise. "
Lou wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:09 PM:
" Good point Wallace, but you have to admit, telling people not to worry about flameouts because structural falures are more common would be counter productive. After all, "more common" is a relative term. Do you really think there is a strong statistical danger? There are other risk factors too, such as formation flight, large waterfowl populations, and steep turns in the pattern. But the point is, the 173rd has a good record and even after 35 or so years, the Eagle is a good bird, so altogether the risk of a worst case type scenario is very small. And in a less-than worst case type scenario, such as my house being converted to a crater and me to Lou-Oxide, I feel the risk is very reasonable compared to the value to the community as a whole, the nation, and the world. (As a matter of fact, some readers may like that particular scenario!) Sorry, I think we were supposed to be talking about noise. "
Ron Sandi House wrote on Nov 14, 2008 8:59 PM:
" The sound of the jets is the sound of freedom! We lived under the "K" for 18 years and LOVED to see and hear the planes fly over our house. It is always exciting to see the "red eye" of the jets as they fly at night. If you don't like the so-called "noise" of the planes, MOVE!!
No one is forcing you to live by the airport. The airport and the base have been around a lot longer than your homes. "
No one is forcing you to live by the airport. The airport and the base have been around a lot longer than your homes. "
Wallace wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:27 PM:
" Lou, Rastus may not understand the the most likely failure mode of the F-15 is not a dual flame out, but rather breaking into multiple pieces without warning and crashing into the ground completely out of control. However, you, being well versed in aeronautical engineering must realize that, if for no other reason than just reading the newspapers. "
mds wrote on Nov 13, 2008 6:54 PM:
" Glad to hear the jets. We know that our little community is helping to protect the entire USA> "
Danielle wrote on Nov 13, 2008 7:52 AM:
" Kingsley Field trains the best F-15 pilots in the world. That’s their mission and they do a fine job at it. They go through rigorous training everyday. The student pilots and even the instructors have training requirements that must be completed just like any other day job. Most are annual requirements. When you have thirty some odd instructors and about fifteen or so students at any one time, it may seem that all they want to do is make noise and show off. But when we go to war and they are risking their lives to save ours and the lives of thousands of troops on the ground, then you may want to ask yourself, would you rather accept the noise and have a pilot that knows what they’re doing or one that could cost lives without adequate training.
Kingsley Pilots are FIRST CLASS in my opinion. "
Kingsley Pilots are FIRST CLASS in my opinion. "
Lou wrote on Nov 12, 2008 10:58 AM:
" Thanks to CM, a calm voice. I don't know if I can ease the concerns of people like Rastus, but although a worst-case scenario air crash in Klamath Falls is always a possibility, the risk is extremely small compared to the value of the airport operation. For one thing, between fields and water, there is a surprising amount of open space under the pattern. Also, the twin engines of the F-15 lesson the odds of a complete power failure. So, I hope you don't loose too much sleep over it. A crash involving a school bus and log truck is perhaps thousands of times more of a likely threat to our kids. ( And luckily those trains blow their horns approaching the intersections!) There have also been wild fears expressed by other writers about the mere discussion of aircraft noise inducing the Dept. of Defence to close Kingsley, or on the other end, the jet noise keeping out new employers. Get real! Take a tip from an old pilot, stay cool and keep the faith. And remember, we live in a GREAT place whether the 173rd enforces some good-neighbor noise abatement or not. "
BS wrote on Nov 12, 2008 10:44 AM:
" Rastus,
Maybe you should be questioning the commercial jocks instead of the military. Ultimately I believe the pilot in command makes the decision which way they will go, but I believe the military follows the air traffic controllers directions.
You're really a worst case scenerio type of person aren't you. I'd be more worried about a student pilot in the seat crashing a little prop job than a heavily maintained, professionally flown fighter. (that has 2 engines by the way) "
Maybe you should be questioning the commercial jocks instead of the military. Ultimately I believe the pilot in command makes the decision which way they will go, but I believe the military follows the air traffic controllers directions.
You're really a worst case scenerio type of person aren't you. I'd be more worried about a student pilot in the seat crashing a little prop job than a heavily maintained, professionally flown fighter. (that has 2 engines by the way) "
Chris S. wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:56 PM:
" I live in Mills Addition, right under the inbound flight path of air traffic. It doesn't bother me a bit. I rather enjoy watching the planes. And the airport is a benefit to the local economy. I don't live in the property affected by the rezoning proposal, so I honestly don't know how that might effect how I feel. "
rastus t. wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:39 PM:
" if wind direction dictates the take off direction how come the commercial jets all take off to the south . you know- the less populated area-. and what is going to happen when one of these afterburning jet jocks has a flame out over town? i'm sure he /she will eject and be fine i hope altamont school isn't in session when it happens. and it is only a matter of time before one has engine trouble. "
Fireye wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:14 PM:
" I love the sound of those jets and they can blast me anytime!!!! They sound far more better than my computer flight simulator does. "
April Raine wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:42 PM:
" I love the sound of the jets. The base has been here a long time, and if people dont like it well there are other options for them. It truely i the sound of freedom, with every passing jet is the sound of strength and power that the USA has worked so hard to gain. "
Tina T wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:55 PM:
" 7 years ago in October (yep right after 9/11) we came out for my husband to interview at a job. You know what "sealed the deal" for us? Standing in the parking lot at Shilo and seeing the jets proudly flying above us in the very clear blue sky. Now we couldn't live any closer to the base and those jets sound just as sweet as they did back then. To those who don't like it- it is still America because of those jets and others like it-you're free to move anywhere you like. "
CM wrote on Nov 11, 2008 7:29 AM:
" To Lou, simply said: well put.
I believe most people on here respected your comments, it was the presumptuous and immature remarks of the likes of Edgar the peaved people.
By the way Edgar, have you even met any of the pilots from Kingsley? I bet not. But it's ok, just go around making false accusations like "airborne version of Hell's Angels." That just shows how extremely little you know. I bet you wouldn't even have the galls to say what you said to them directly. But even if you did, I have no doubt the fine pilots at Kingsley would acknowledge you respectfully, giving you the courteousy that you seem unable to provide.
Now Lou, sorry for the tangent, a couple remarks on here from some seem like they are from some... well, I can't even say. But your comments are respectful, and inquisitive, I like that, and now you have me thinking... I do know they takeoff in afterburner every now and then for training purposes, but not all the time. As far as afterburner pattern work, good question.
Oh, and Michelle, just so you know, if you are downtown you are right in line with the main runway. If the pilots are flying in bad weather or are conducting instrument approach training, you might want to get used to it. They are at the mercy of the controllers and instruments at that point and need to fly from farther north to land. And as it has been mentioned before, wind dictates land direction and airplane traffic dictate where they need to land from.
By the way people, you can have all of your questions answered if you call Kingsley Field, they are very polite and used to questions, so they would be happy to explain why they do what they do. So before getting worked up, dig into the facts. Become educated bloggers like Lou, show some respect and corteousy, and then we can have a "grown-up" conversation.
CM "
I believe most people on here respected your comments, it was the presumptuous and immature remarks of the likes of Edgar the peaved people.
By the way Edgar, have you even met any of the pilots from Kingsley? I bet not. But it's ok, just go around making false accusations like "airborne version of Hell's Angels." That just shows how extremely little you know. I bet you wouldn't even have the galls to say what you said to them directly. But even if you did, I have no doubt the fine pilots at Kingsley would acknowledge you respectfully, giving you the courteousy that you seem unable to provide.
Now Lou, sorry for the tangent, a couple remarks on here from some seem like they are from some... well, I can't even say. But your comments are respectful, and inquisitive, I like that, and now you have me thinking... I do know they takeoff in afterburner every now and then for training purposes, but not all the time. As far as afterburner pattern work, good question.
Oh, and Michelle, just so you know, if you are downtown you are right in line with the main runway. If the pilots are flying in bad weather or are conducting instrument approach training, you might want to get used to it. They are at the mercy of the controllers and instruments at that point and need to fly from farther north to land. And as it has been mentioned before, wind dictates land direction and airplane traffic dictate where they need to land from.
By the way people, you can have all of your questions answered if you call Kingsley Field, they are very polite and used to questions, so they would be happy to explain why they do what they do. So before getting worked up, dig into the facts. Become educated bloggers like Lou, show some respect and corteousy, and then we can have a "grown-up" conversation.
CM "
We B lovin the Jets wrote on Nov 11, 2008 6:16 AM:
" If the noise of the jets is THAT noticeable I suggest you check the seals on your windows and doors. We live close enough to the airport that we can see the pilots in the cockpits of their planes when they fly by. If we are inside, the sound of our ceiling fan is louder than the jets! I wish they would fly lower so that we could high five them on the way over. People who complain about this really need to get a grip. Lots of other stuff to worry about that is WAY more important. Like my fantasy football team. "
dtl wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:17 AM:
" As The Jets Flew By Overhead…
Sitting on my mountain,
Safer than most,
But just as scared
As the those who fear
This terrible war-
Thinking of those,
Who now lie dead,
Feeling such sorrow,
For the prayers being said,
But then the jets flew overhead…
F-18’s scarring the sky,
Leaving their contrails as they flew by,
Fearless warriors patrolling the skies,
Watching their precision
As they flew side by side…
Sat here thinking of those
Who heard the call,
And didn’t think of themselves at all-
Just rose from their seats,
And formed a line,
Fighting for our freedom,
The only thing on their mind-
I sit here and listen,
To those who condemn,
Those who lash out,
Without thinking what it’s all about-
What does it matter who’s to blame?
Those are our children out there!
Our families and friends!
I don’t care who started it-
I just want them home safe again!
I will honor them with songs,
And words from my heart,
Give them parades for playing their part,
Stand when they pass by,
Try to hold back
The tears in my eyes…
I will salute the honor,
With which they fought,
In a far away land
Of lonely sand dunes,
I think of those who gave their lives,
Grieving with such sorrow
For the lives they leave behind,
And I will honor the dead,
With my heart and soul,
For the sacrifice they so willingly gave,
As the jets roar by overhead… "
Sitting on my mountain,
Safer than most,
But just as scared
As the those who fear
This terrible war-
Thinking of those,
Who now lie dead,
Feeling such sorrow,
For the prayers being said,
But then the jets flew overhead…
F-18’s scarring the sky,
Leaving their contrails as they flew by,
Fearless warriors patrolling the skies,
Watching their precision
As they flew side by side…
Sat here thinking of those
Who heard the call,
And didn’t think of themselves at all-
Just rose from their seats,
And formed a line,
Fighting for our freedom,
The only thing on their mind-
I sit here and listen,
To those who condemn,
Those who lash out,
Without thinking what it’s all about-
What does it matter who’s to blame?
Those are our children out there!
Our families and friends!
I don’t care who started it-
I just want them home safe again!
I will honor them with songs,
And words from my heart,
Give them parades for playing their part,
Stand when they pass by,
Try to hold back
The tears in my eyes…
I will salute the honor,
With which they fought,
In a far away land
Of lonely sand dunes,
I think of those who gave their lives,
Grieving with such sorrow
For the lives they leave behind,
And I will honor the dead,
With my heart and soul,
For the sacrifice they so willingly gave,
As the jets roar by overhead… "
quit complaining wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:07 PM:
" If you choose to live by the airport or near railway tracks, there is going to be noise. Don't move somewhere without researching it and then complain about something that has been there for years. "
To Roger and Larry wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:16 PM:
" You two are so typical of the conspiracy theorists! Need I say "liberal anti-military'? You are judging,me, why can't I judge you?
I enjoy the sounds of the airport and air force and my husband and I bought our house near the airport knowing that we would hear the 'sounds of freedom'. Neither of us work for the 'government' , the military or the city or county. I work at a Church and my husband is retired. So it's not all about the money. Get a real life and be happy we have the air force and an airport here! We could be an "international airport" like PDX (Portland) and have air traffic all night! "
I enjoy the sounds of the airport and air force and my husband and I bought our house near the airport knowing that we would hear the 'sounds of freedom'. Neither of us work for the 'government' , the military or the city or county. I work at a Church and my husband is retired. So it's not all about the money. Get a real life and be happy we have the air force and an airport here! We could be an "international airport" like PDX (Portland) and have air traffic all night! "
Lou wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:00 PM:
" I never implied military pilots are insensitive. After 40 confirmed air to air victories, Richard Bong, the US ace of aces, is said to have become violently sick after seeing a dead Japanese pilot up close for the first time. Roald Dahl, who shot down several German aircraft in WW2 went on to become one of the greatest authors of children's literature of the last century. Richard Bach, who once trained to drop atomic bombs from an F-84 wrote Johnathon Livingston Seagull. I actually like the roar of the jets. But not everyone does. I was just pointing out that it may be possible to reduce the noise without any sacrifice of of military mission. Support for the extremely important military activities at Kingsley does not have to be blind or all-or-nothing. Let's support the 173rd FW and also the night nurses that sleep during the day. The F-15 has wonderful turbofan engines which provide great range in addition to great power. Unlike F-4s and other fighters of the past, when not in afterburner they are realatively quiet. Perhaps some of this is over my head, pun intended, but I'm not sure why the afterburners are used so much while aircraft are decending to the field. The pilot of say a Grumman Gulfstream jet, similar in size and power to a big fighter, can make approaches all day long without an afterburner. I'd love to hear an authoritative explanation. And yes, I'd also love to hear a US fighter overhead, any day, any time! "
W12 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 2:32 PM:
" Wake Up Klamath Falls, You think the economy is bad in Klamath Falls now just do away with the jobs and income at the air base (largest employer in basin) and see what our economy is then. Think they can't close this base, because its been here foever, just look around the country at some of the other towns that the DoD has closed bases in, happens on a regular cycle. All they need is for the community to give them reason. "
time to move on wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:11 PM:
" To me this is just something silly that people need to move on from. It is life, maybe sometimes they do kick on a little strong but really is it that bad? Same with the trains, to me not a big deal. I guess its what the saying means, people want freedom but yet nothing is free because everyone complains. To me this topic is even silly without the base Klamath would be nothing, same with the trains. You want the economy to start booming again well lets run the people at the base out and see just how booming the economy gets? Times are tough folks and they are only going to get tougher for the time being so if you want to really make it rough for the rest of Klamath Falls and it surrounding areas lets all vote to get rid of the base and the railroad. Get over it already.
oh and one more thing, the pilots are on average 30 and older not young kids pushing the rules and the majority of them have families to fend for as well. "
oh and one more thing, the pilots are on average 30 and older not young kids pushing the rules and the majority of them have families to fend for as well. "
BS wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:50 PM:
" Air traffic control and wind direction dictate what direction the jets take off, land, or enter the traffic pattern. A small private aircraft in the pattern may result in the jets being directed somewhere other than directly over the airport.
Please stop watching "Top Gun" and realize that it's a group of professionals performing thier duties.......by the book. "
Please stop watching "Top Gun" and realize that it's a group of professionals performing thier duties.......by the book. "
William wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:23 PM:
" I don't live in the Klamath Basin but enjoy reading the H&N, especially the Comments that you post on your web site. You have very active readers who are willing to take the time to make their views shown. But I am concerned at the number of fears that your readers experience, the fear of Klamath Falls becoming a ghost town if the base closes, fear of being attacked by some unspecified and omnipotent enemy, (actually the only target in Klamath Falls is Kingsley, close it and nobody would bother to attack). They even have a fear of Californians moving into their community, even though this would bring highly prized money into town. I think Klamath Falls is a beautiful area and should be a tourist and retirement community, not a military town. "
Edgar wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:38 AM:
" I have to agree with Lou. Our National Guard jet jocks cannot be sensitive persons and at the same time do the job they have volunteered to do. Therefore they have no empathy with the residents, maximizing the noise they make (while wastefully maximizing their fuel consumption) for whatever reasons. They are an airborne version of the Hell's Angels, making noise for the sake of noise. "
Michelle wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:08 AM:
" I own a house near downtown, not near the airport at all. Commercial planes don’t bother us there, but the military planes sometimes fly so low that my walls shake. Do they really plan flight drills over downtown, or are these just testosterone filled young pilots pushing the rules? "
Steve wrote on Nov 10, 2008 7:36 AM:
" I just bought a house nearby, and I can't imagine buying a house near an airport and then complaining about the noise. That would seem to point out my own stupidity. Not to mention, the airport has been around longer than I have been alive, so I can't exactly complain about some "new" nuisance that it's creating. Plus, my propert values are significantly more affected by other nearby owners not maintaining their property. "
To SL from CM wrote on Nov 10, 2008 7:28 AM:
" SL-
Trying not to get off track here...
Just an FYI, federal regulation mandates that train crews blow the whistle 4 times (2 long, 1 short, and 1 long) for at leat 20+ seconds per crossing (any crossing) no matter what the train speed. Due to recent Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as well as company (both UP and BNSF) crackdown, they are personally fining the engineers if they do not do this and they (the engineers) also risk losing their jobs if it isn't done.
I agree it is over the top, but I just wanted to shed light that it is not the train crews fault as most people tend to believe. They are just trying to not get thousands of dollars in fines and/or lose their jobs. The FRA and company instills this fear in the train crew to ensure a 20+ second whistle blow...
CM "
Trying not to get off track here...
Just an FYI, federal regulation mandates that train crews blow the whistle 4 times (2 long, 1 short, and 1 long) for at leat 20+ seconds per crossing (any crossing) no matter what the train speed. Due to recent Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as well as company (both UP and BNSF) crackdown, they are personally fining the engineers if they do not do this and they (the engineers) also risk losing their jobs if it isn't done.
I agree it is over the top, but I just wanted to shed light that it is not the train crews fault as most people tend to believe. They are just trying to not get thousands of dollars in fines and/or lose their jobs. The FRA and company instills this fear in the train crew to ensure a 20+ second whistle blow...
CM "
SL wrote on Nov 9, 2008 11:44 PM:
" I don't object to the sound of the jets or planes at all. They are infrequent passersby. The trains blow their horns 4 times each on the 37 trips per 24 hr. day however and this is over the top. "
Gail W. wrote on Nov 9, 2008 10:29 PM:
" Anyone who objects to noises (trains, planes, sirens, barking dogs, etc.) should simply wear ear plugs or move to Paisley! "
charles wagner wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:10 PM:
" Have you ever seen what happens to a military community that loses its base without a substantial replacment industrial source (those sources are hard to find in this economic enviroment). The base provides this community with quality people, college options for our children, volunteers, and our most stable large scale employer. It is short sighted, whatever part of town you live in, to restrict our base from providing an advantagous location to the military in any reasonable manner. The president elect is not likely to heavly fund our military and the Air Force will be required to make tough decisions. Which one will hurt the few complainers property value more - a new zoning structure or a city without a job base.
From the pratical perspective, the F-15 is an undefeated in combat fighter - our pilots come home from war alive. They come home healthy not just because of the quality of the fighters, but because of the quality of the training they receive. Why would we not want to provide them every advantage necessary without selfish restrictions if we ask them to go in harms way for us? "
From the pratical perspective, the F-15 is an undefeated in combat fighter - our pilots come home from war alive. They come home healthy not just because of the quality of the fighters, but because of the quality of the training they receive. Why would we not want to provide them every advantage necessary without selfish restrictions if we ask them to go in harms way for us? "
Lou wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:02 PM:
" I love the jets and trains. However, I have noticed that the F-15s touch off their afterburners quite a lot over town. This is what causes the extreme noise levels. When they pass over with normal power they aren't much louder than some of the turboprops. The fighter jocks need to have fun and stay razor sharp, but by being more restrained with afterburners over town, where combat maneuvering isn't practiced anyway, they could probably be much better neighbors without any loss of military preparedness. Besides, techniques of fuel conservation for maximum range have military value too. We also love our firefighters, police, and paramedics, but they don't speed down neighborhood streets with sirens blaring just for practice. "
Been here since 72 wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:42 PM:
" I love the jets; I love the base; I love people taking responsibility for their own lives & decisions.
County & City need to stay out of the home bldg & real estate biz on this one.
People...if you don't like noise, move to Bly or Beatty.
Don't blame someone else for your own bad choices. Do your research when you buy a house - it's one of your most important invenstments!
F-4s were by far noisier but I consider myself lucky when any of the jets pass over... if I still lived in Portland, I wouldn't even be able to hear them due to all the other noise of life around there.
I think anyone bugged by any kind "legal" noise should move...you don't buy on Lakeshore if you hate shade & the stink of algae in the summer, do you? "
County & City need to stay out of the home bldg & real estate biz on this one.
People...if you don't like noise, move to Bly or Beatty.
Don't blame someone else for your own bad choices. Do your research when you buy a house - it's one of your most important invenstments!
F-4s were by far noisier but I consider myself lucky when any of the jets pass over... if I still lived in Portland, I wouldn't even be able to hear them due to all the other noise of life around there.
I think anyone bugged by any kind "legal" noise should move...you don't buy on Lakeshore if you hate shade & the stink of algae in the summer, do you? "
Klamath girl wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:52 PM:
" I enjoy the sound of the jets, as well as the trains.My husband and I live in the old part of town and are "subjected" to both. We are also "subjected" to the KUHS marching band-We enjoy those sounds and are grateful for the fact they exixt and that we can still hear them.It is far better than loud car stereos, screaming and fighting neighbors, barking dogs, police sirens, etc....
I can remember in my growing up years, the sound of jets which were far more frequent and louder than now (sonic booms), air raid sirens, and yes, even gun fire. We all have the right to choose where we live and what level of noise, violence and human and animal interaction we will tolerate. It seems as though there are always a few who feel that their rights or wants or needs outweigh most others. It's time to stop being selfish, self important, and demanding-we're all in this together-and it's a short period of time in the greater scheme of things. "
I can remember in my growing up years, the sound of jets which were far more frequent and louder than now (sonic booms), air raid sirens, and yes, even gun fire. We all have the right to choose where we live and what level of noise, violence and human and animal interaction we will tolerate. It seems as though there are always a few who feel that their rights or wants or needs outweigh most others. It's time to stop being selfish, self important, and demanding-we're all in this together-and it's a short period of time in the greater scheme of things. "
rose wrote on Nov 9, 2008 5:02 PM:
" I say "let them fly". I enjoy seeing the planes & jets fly above my home- it shows a sign of freedom & we should all be proud. "
Jeri wrote on Nov 9, 2008 3:44 PM:
" Puhleez. First it's the trains, then barking dogs, now our air guard. With a shrinking economy, these complainers may have some real worries to occupy their time very soon. My suggestion is: Don't buy a house by the railroad or the airport. If you've bought one there and don't like it, move. And this time, look at the neighborhood not just the house.
The City and County "Planning
Commission" should actually plan for these contingencies and deny permits to developers who want to build on flat land because it's easier and costs them less no matter what's on neighboring land. "
The City and County "Planning
Commission" should actually plan for these contingencies and deny permits to developers who want to build on flat land because it's easier and costs them less no matter what's on neighboring land. "
Diane wrote on Nov 9, 2008 3:10 PM:
" I love the sound of the jets flying over, its the sound of FREEDOM!
Those who complain, how would you like the sound of WAR instead?
Be grateful for our service men and women and the JETS! "
Those who complain, how would you like the sound of WAR instead?
Be grateful for our service men and women and the JETS! "
pril wrote on Nov 9, 2008 1:34 PM:
" I love the jets AND the trains! I came here from CA in a roundabout way, by way of Arizona and Coos Bay, but I love the jets! If there's an organization out there paying people to say they love the jets, sign me up! It's not because of what they represent, for me, it's because they're marvelous pieces of engineering and I love seeing them fly, or watching the trains pass. There are people on the coast who complain about barking sea lions, the sound of crashing waves and the dinging of the navigational buoys... some people just want something to complain about. If there were no jets or trains, these folks would find something else to cry about. "
To Larry and Roger wrote on Nov 9, 2008 1:28 PM:
" I guess we are following the money, because the guardsmen bring money into our dwindling community and if they were not here and they chose to close the base down we would be a ghost town even more so than we are now. Not only does the base provide jobs for the guardsmen and pilots, it also provides work for civilians as well, in fact quite a few civilians. It has brought jobs for construction workers as they build a new entrance for the base as well. So without the noise of the jets that means that the jets are not flying and that means that the pilots are not working, and then the rest of the guard is probably not working so then the civilians are not working because why would they need to work, so then the construction guys are not building because why would they need to build a new entrance for the people that are not there? It is a chain reaction that your right does bring money to the basin but it is a welcome chain reaction that provides money throughout Klamath because without all of those pilots and guardsmen and civilians, and construction crew you take away the money that they provide at the local grocery store, gas station, etc and then that takes away the store clerks, and the gas attendants so then that closes the store and gas stations because you don't need it if no one is purchasing at it. Think about it, it only takes a little common sense.
The base has been a huge asset to our community and I hope that it continues to be forever.
Oh and I too don't work there or at the Herald and News, or anywhere, I am a stay at home parent. So therefore this is my opinion but again a little common sense.
I wish they would fly every hour of every day 24/7 just so the people complaining can continue to have something to talk about.
To all the workers at the base keep up the good work in ALL the work you do for our country and our community. "
The base has been a huge asset to our community and I hope that it continues to be forever.
Oh and I too don't work there or at the Herald and News, or anywhere, I am a stay at home parent. So therefore this is my opinion but again a little common sense.
I wish they would fly every hour of every day 24/7 just so the people complaining can continue to have something to talk about.
To all the workers at the base keep up the good work in ALL the work you do for our country and our community. "
Larry G wrote on Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM:
" I tend to agree with Roger. There are just so many letters praising the jet noise and the brave pilots who are protecting us from the bogeyman, there must be some clandestine organization comprised of Guard members as well as other local citizens who have something to gain by the presence of the Guard in Klamath Falls. There just could not be this many people who have nothing better to do except profess their love of jet noise, unless they personally have something to gain from it. As Roger said, just follow the money. "
Mark wrote on Nov 9, 2008 9:23 AM:
" As a Navy veteran I have had the opportunitiy to question whose side the aircraft appoaching was on... You learn to appreciate the presence of our aircraft patrolling the skies, just to keep them "friendly". Growing up overseas, the various squadrons kept up their sortee hours and provided comfort during the "cold war" era. How many of the complainers have ever had to live through blackouts imposed by martial law?
Unfortunately, I have to agree with a majority of the posts here... If you were not living in the flight path of Kingsley Field prior to the 1940's, that means that you intentionally chose to move into the noise zone. Complaining about your poor choices amuses most of us, but seriously impedes any plans for improvements to the airport. "
Unfortunately, I have to agree with a majority of the posts here... If you were not living in the flight path of Kingsley Field prior to the 1940's, that means that you intentionally chose to move into the noise zone. Complaining about your poor choices amuses most of us, but seriously impedes any plans for improvements to the airport. "
Proud of OUR Jets wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:50 AM:
" I have lived here in KF most of my life. I still get a warm feeling inside every single time I see one of the gorgeous jets fly across our city.
Or are the people who are complaining forgot 9-11? Or from Calif. who doesn't understand that these men & women that WORK at our base are OUR freedom working.
Be proud they are here & give them a "Salute" when they fly past you in the air & be proud to be an American.
If you don't like the noise--go back to where you came from & let those that love it & are proud of our men & women in the armed forces do their job!
Or are you going to complain that the noise was to loud when your next door neighbor is crying because they just lost their son or daughter in Iraq?
Grow up, enjoy your freedom or GET OUT! "
Or are the people who are complaining forgot 9-11? Or from Calif. who doesn't understand that these men & women that WORK at our base are OUR freedom working.
Be proud they are here & give them a "Salute" when they fly past you in the air & be proud to be an American.
If you don't like the noise--go back to where you came from & let those that love it & are proud of our men & women in the armed forces do their job!
Or are you going to complain that the noise was to loud when your next door neighbor is crying because they just lost their son or daughter in Iraq?
Grow up, enjoy your freedom or GET OUT! "
Bob wrote on Nov 9, 2008 8:21 AM:
" Only one word to those complaining about the noise that the jets make. MOVE. Read the comments, they are overwhelmingly in favor of the jet noise that comes off of the F15s when they are taking off and flying out of the basin for their exercises. The base is vital to the local economy. Those who don't like the noise obviously would rather put peace and quiet ahead of family wage jobs and the millions that the air base brings to our local economy. Apparently they are not affected by economic factors so why don't they move somewhere there is no noise? "
DJD wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:49 AM:
" My sympathies to "Lewis" and"Eleanor" one came without noticing that we had a wonderful airbase, and the other for a short memory because actually the base used to be bigger and louder. "
Missy wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:39 AM:
" Roger wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:02 PM:
" Most of these letters are scams, written by those who have something to gain by the having the Air Guard active here."
I am NOT an employee of the City, County, Air Force or Herald and News. I live in Moyina Heights and work near Walmart. What do I have to gain from hearing the jets, or for that matter the trains?
The obvious answer, repeated over and over here, FREEDOM. Secondly, goods brought into this town that my family can purchase. Thirdly, the employees at the Base use some of their money to purchase goods in our community, therefore adding to the economy here. And some of those employees come from out of town, the Air Guard recruits from high schools and the students come to this Base to participate in their one weekend a month.
"The 173rd Fighter Wing is responsible for training the best air-to-air combat pilots in the world. Also, as part of the Air National Guard, the wing serves the State of Oregon and our nation in times of peace and war. Kingsley Field is the home of the 173rd Fighter Wing which is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon."" (from the 173rd Fighter Wing page).
This means people from all over the country come here for their training.
We ALL have a lot to lose if this Base closes. "
" Most of these letters are scams, written by those who have something to gain by the having the Air Guard active here."
I am NOT an employee of the City, County, Air Force or Herald and News. I live in Moyina Heights and work near Walmart. What do I have to gain from hearing the jets, or for that matter the trains?
The obvious answer, repeated over and over here, FREEDOM. Secondly, goods brought into this town that my family can purchase. Thirdly, the employees at the Base use some of their money to purchase goods in our community, therefore adding to the economy here. And some of those employees come from out of town, the Air Guard recruits from high schools and the students come to this Base to participate in their one weekend a month.
"The 173rd Fighter Wing is responsible for training the best air-to-air combat pilots in the world. Also, as part of the Air National Guard, the wing serves the State of Oregon and our nation in times of peace and war. Kingsley Field is the home of the 173rd Fighter Wing which is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon."" (from the 173rd Fighter Wing page).
This means people from all over the country come here for their training.
We ALL have a lot to lose if this Base closes. "
Dave wrote on Nov 9, 2008 7:38 AM:
" The noise is a welcome sound, think of the situation without it. To those complainers, I suspect the airport was here first for all but a few. Remember the F-4's? You had to wait for them to pass to continue a conversation. The jets are welcome to come make noise at my property. "
To Roger from Chris wrote on Nov 9, 2008 6:56 AM:
" Wow, some phonies following the money? And you mentioned me (since I admitted to be a guardsman), thanks. I'm glad you know me so well, even more than I know myself.
First off, I don't admit that I'm a guardsman, I proudly say that I am one.
Although I try to respect the opinion of others, I find it a little difficult in this case by the way you worded your entry. But I must look beyond that and realize that you would never say something like that to anyone's face, your computer gives you false courage.
And jet niose, you're right, who enjoys plain old jet noise. It's what that noise is, and what it represents is what you're not getting my friend. And nobody said they stand right next to the jet and admire the beautiful noise. It's the background noise, or when the jets fly formation overhead that people enjoy. Get a clue brother.
Now with that said, and since I am apparantly a phony with some kind of secret agenda (other than having the base pump millions of dollars into the local economy), let me tell you a little something. I drill two days a month at the base, and to do that I must take off work. I make two times what I make at my civilian job than I do drilling. But why oh why would I voluntarily take a pay cut two days a month and two weeks a year to listen to that God-awful jet noise up close? Where is my agenda, I must have put it somewhere, I'm sure of it. Oh yes, there it is, it is my pride, priveledge, and honor to serve this community, the state, and this fine country.
So in hindsight, you are correct, I do have an agenda at Kingsley. But it's more of a personal one than a monetary one. What would I do if Kinglsey shut down, you better believe that I would pick up my car keys once a month, find another unit, and drive whatever distance it takes to serve because the honor to serve people like you helps me get up in the morning.
I hope you have a great day Roger, and the next time I'm a grunt in a warzone with those wonderful jets thunder overhead skillfully flown by students of Kinglsey, I will give a smile and know that although you don't appreciate them, luckily you are in the tiny minority. Thank God for that. God bless.
Chris "
First off, I don't admit that I'm a guardsman, I proudly say that I am one.
Although I try to respect the opinion of others, I find it a little difficult in this case by the way you worded your entry. But I must look beyond that and realize that you would never say something like that to anyone's face, your computer gives you false courage.
And jet niose, you're right, who enjoys plain old jet noise. It's what that noise is, and what it represents is what you're not getting my friend. And nobody said they stand right next to the jet and admire the beautiful noise. It's the background noise, or when the jets fly formation overhead that people enjoy. Get a clue brother.
Now with that said, and since I am apparantly a phony with some kind of secret agenda (other than having the base pump millions of dollars into the local economy), let me tell you a little something. I drill two days a month at the base, and to do that I must take off work. I make two times what I make at my civilian job than I do drilling. But why oh why would I voluntarily take a pay cut two days a month and two weeks a year to listen to that God-awful jet noise up close? Where is my agenda, I must have put it somewhere, I'm sure of it. Oh yes, there it is, it is my pride, priveledge, and honor to serve this community, the state, and this fine country.
So in hindsight, you are correct, I do have an agenda at Kingsley. But it's more of a personal one than a monetary one. What would I do if Kinglsey shut down, you better believe that I would pick up my car keys once a month, find another unit, and drive whatever distance it takes to serve because the honor to serve people like you helps me get up in the morning.
I hope you have a great day Roger, and the next time I'm a grunt in a warzone with those wonderful jets thunder overhead skillfully flown by students of Kinglsey, I will give a smile and know that although you don't appreciate them, luckily you are in the tiny minority. Thank God for that. God bless.
Chris "
love it wrote on Nov 8, 2008 11:18 PM:
" I too have grown up here and have always lived close to the base/airport and I do not mind the noise what so ever. After so many years you just get used to it, personally I think I would be more worried and upset if I didn't hear it?
I guess I have to say I agree with the people that say if you don't like the noise made by the trains/planes, whatever don't live by them.
I guess my other problem with the complainers about this is they do always let the public know when they are going to do the night flying. It is always posted in the newspaper. My brother works at the base and he said they do it once a month and usually in the winter not at all. Why can't people live with once a month? Like I said after awhile it just becomes second nature like a bird in the tree chirping. I have 2 small kids and it never bothers them while they are sleeping or napping and again we live practically at the airport.
I guess again if you don't like it move away from it and if that is not the answer you are looking for suck it up and move on. It is a great sound to hear and they are fantastic to watch.
I am sure in a couple of days the people that are complaining about this will find something else to squabble about. "
I guess I have to say I agree with the people that say if you don't like the noise made by the trains/planes, whatever don't live by them.
I guess my other problem with the complainers about this is they do always let the public know when they are going to do the night flying. It is always posted in the newspaper. My brother works at the base and he said they do it once a month and usually in the winter not at all. Why can't people live with once a month? Like I said after awhile it just becomes second nature like a bird in the tree chirping. I have 2 small kids and it never bothers them while they are sleeping or napping and again we live practically at the airport.
I guess again if you don't like it move away from it and if that is not the answer you are looking for suck it up and move on. It is a great sound to hear and they are fantastic to watch.
I am sure in a couple of days the people that are complaining about this will find something else to squabble about. "
Patti wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:51 PM:
" I live in Gatewood and the noise doesn't bother me at all. What is it really hurting? People complain because we don't have enough going on in Klamath Falls, yet when Kingsley Field is active with training those to fight for our country, they still complain. Having the Klamath Falls airport active contributes to the local economy also. For those people that are bothered by the noise, there are options such as earplugs, or perhaps moving to a different area where the noise would no longer be a concern. If it were a constant noise that rarely stopped, I could see the point of complaining about it, but it isn't. When there is noise, it doesn't last very long, so what is the real issue here? Some cities that are the same size as Klamath Falls don't even have an airport, so we shouldn't be complaining about what we are very lucky to have. How would it be to have to drive to Medford every time we needed to fly somewhere? With the fuel prices still high, how happy would the complainers about the noise be then?
Think about it, people. Klamath Falls needs to grow, and the constant complaining doesn't help us prosper.It is very counterproductive, and iIt isn't hurting us to have a little bit of noise. It is much worse in the big cities. "
Think about it, people. Klamath Falls needs to grow, and the constant complaining doesn't help us prosper.It is very counterproductive, and iIt isn't hurting us to have a little bit of noise. It is much worse in the big cities. "
Vicki Pena wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:32 PM:
" When I wrote a letter to the editor in 2001 entitled, "The Sound of Freedom", I was prompted to write it because of the single jet that took off on that evening, when they were allowed to resume flight after the grounding of aircraft. To this day, I still cherish that sound. I recently moved from my home in the south suburbs, and the biggest thing I miss is hearing the jets overhead on a regular basis. I didn't realize how much a part of my daily life it was until about the 3rd day in my new home, when I realized I hadn't heard any. The sound of jets is such an integral part of the Basin, I could not imagine a time when they would not fly here. "
EJ wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:04 PM:
" Soon we will have nothing to worry about, when these junker F-15s are retired to the boneyard where they belong. Who will protect all you fearful persons then from all the bogeymen? "
Gods Country wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:02 PM:
" Where else could we live that on a daily basis our skies are blessed with bald eagles, pelicans, swans and yes....jets? We are blessed with beautiful scenery and knowing that our base is responsible for the excellent training of hundreds of trainees in numerous fields, not just jet pilots. Yes the base has expanded over the years. Thank God!! Our economy has enough issues without losing the revenue of the families that have passed through trainings and those that have stayed to continue to contribute to the livelyhood of K-Falls! The noise from the jets is a small price to pay for the benefits that the base has contributed to our region and our country!! Get a life people and complain about something that is a real problem, like the increase in crime in our community or the lack of involvement of our neighbors with knowledge of child abuse and neglect!! Use your voice for something important!! "
Roger wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:02 PM:
" Most of these letters are scams, written by those who have something to gain by the having the Air Guard active here. I have seen this in the H&N blogs every time "jet noise" is mentioned. One of your writers even gave himself away by admitting that he was actually a member of the Air Guard. Nobody would admit that unless it were really true. No normal person derives a thrill from daily jet planes flying overhead. What a bunch of phonies these all are. Just follow the money, and you will realize who these writers are. "
Terry wrote on Nov 8, 2008 7:15 PM:
" I think with the big Defense budget cuts coming up, it would be good PR if launches and landings were done to the south of us. "
DL wrote on Nov 8, 2008 6:37 PM:
" Eleanor...how exactly is the Air Guard detrimental to the quality of life here? I was born and raised here but I lived away for several years. I didn't know how much I missed the jet noise til I moved back. I personally don't find it detrimental at all. "
Little Do We Civilians Know...... wrote on Nov 8, 2008 5:33 PM:
" I never once said I didnt believe it to be a 'sound of freedom'. I don't mind the noise at all. All I said was I've been told by way too many Techs out there that the pilots on many occasions will fly too low on purpose. So maybe the Techs shouldn't tell us 'civilians' what goes on out there. "
Vicki wrote on Nov 8, 2008 4:40 PM:
" We are one of those California movers that came from a city where all night long it was gun shots, helicopter fly overs, loud music and all the rest of the things that go along with living there. I was so glad to move here with the peace and quiet that Klamath Falls has. The jets are just one more thing that I enjoy every day. I wouldn"t trade them for any amount of money. Freedom , what a great word. That is what they are all about. Be proud of them. I sure am. "
To Eleanor wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:57 PM:
" You need to reread "Missy's" blog. She said it in such a wonderful and profound way. I will just put it bluntly-if anyone dose not like the noise of those fighter jets, then maybe they should move to a bigger city where traffic is non stop, sirens continually, gangs and violence are an everyday event. For us, we love the sound of those jets and love the Klamath Basin for what it has to offer. "
Lewis wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:53 PM:
" How did complaints about "Californians" get into the thread of this blog? The Californians that I know who moved here purchased their homes or land from owners proud to be "KF born and raised", and both parties benefited from the transaction. I would sell out in a heartbeat to a Californian (or anyone else with money) to move out of this place. If any of you jingoist jet noise lovers would like to come up with the cash, you can purchase my home, enjoy the noise, and feel safe and secure from attack by whatever foreign enemy you are afraid of this week. "
KF born and raised wrote on Nov 8, 2008 12:49 PM:
" As usual, no doubt some more people moved here from California and now cry and demand to make things more like the mess from which they fled. Do our
F-15's make it difficult to lure even more of them here? What a shame! "
F-15's make it difficult to lure even more of them here? What a shame! "
Eleanor wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:32 AM:
" I believe that property owners have a valid concern when the Air Force begins to try to dictate to the City and County regarding zoning changes which could reduce their property values. This is a case of the tail wagging the dog. Those of us who have lived in the Basin for a long time know that the activity and noise level at Kingsley have increased dramatically in recent years. I am ashamed to read the simplistic responses of so many angry people who write on this blog. Just saying "Jet Noise is the Sound of Freedom" does not address the real problems that exist in the Klamath Basin, and yes, one of the problems is the expansion of the Air National Guard operations, and the detrimental effects they are having on the quality of life here. "
Teri wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:08 AM:
" I live 15 minutes away from the airport out in Round Lake and we are also in the flight path of all air crafts. From my yard I can hear the rumble of the jets taking off from Kingsley Field as they practice and it also rumbles my soul of how proud I am of our troops and our nation. We run out from under our pine trees to get a clear view of them as they fly by... and YES, on their night manouvers, we are awakened by them WITHOUT a grumble..!! Fly ON... "
Proud American wrote on Nov 8, 2008 10:05 AM:
" First it was the trains, now the jets! What's next? People complaining about the noise a car makes!!
We live off Summers Lane near the airport. Remember how quiet it was after 9/11 when the jets couldn't fly? Those jets and the base keep us safe. If a plane is in our air space and it shouldn't be there, the jets take care of the problem. If the base was forced to move, think of the economic disaster, and us being in jeopardy. The base was there long before the Gatewood neighborhood. If you didn't like the noise, why did you move there?
THANK YOU KINGSLEY FIELD PILOTS AND STAFF FOR KEEPING US SAFE!! "
We live off Summers Lane near the airport. Remember how quiet it was after 9/11 when the jets couldn't fly? Those jets and the base keep us safe. If a plane is in our air space and it shouldn't be there, the jets take care of the problem. If the base was forced to move, think of the economic disaster, and us being in jeopardy. The base was there long before the Gatewood neighborhood. If you didn't like the noise, why did you move there?
THANK YOU KINGSLEY FIELD PILOTS AND STAFF FOR KEEPING US SAFE!! "
A Vet wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:42 AM:
" As you know your freedom depends on how well these people are trained. This is not considered noise in my neighborhood and they fly right over our houses day and night. If you connot live with the freedom you have the right to move. "
Chris wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:33 AM:
" "Little Do We Civilians Know" says that the polits need to show some respect? These brave men and women are risking thier lives everyday to insure we get to keep our freedom. They are a part of the greatest fighting force in the world, they are good at what they do and should show off and if while doing so they just happen to make some noise then that is just to F------ bad!!!! I dont know if you know this or not but we are in a war. Service members need any and all the training they can get. These men and women have steped up to defend our great nation the last thing they need to be hearing are people complainging about how they do thier job!!!!!! If you dont like the "sound of freedom" please feel free to move!!!! "
Keep Them Flying wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:13 AM:
" Everytime those jets fly over our house, I swell up with pride!! I love them!! I hope our base increases and becomes an even larger training base for these wonderful pilots! Keep them flying!!!! "
pete wrote on Nov 8, 2008 8:12 AM:
" I'm a military veteran and the son of a B-52 instructor pilot, squadron commander, etc. I enjoy the jets also. BUT, some respect and degree of balance is needed. Absolutely we don't want to be bombed. We support the military so I guess you'd be happy if your land was chewed up by tanks and blasted by artillery training? "Course not! Quite low over our house [south of Home Depot] and blasting off their after burners seemingly just for kicks....unaccepatble!! I mentioned this to one of the Colonels a couple years ago and the frequency of after-burner window-shaking roars has significantly decreased. If there is to be more F-15s doing more flights, young hot-shot pilolts must be regularly ordered by the brass to control their noise just as much as their training profile permits. "
Missy wrote on Nov 8, 2008 7:20 AM:
" I left Klamath Falls for almost 20 years and forgot how beautiful the sight of F-15's was. One day while driving along the Southside Bypass, the airmen were practicing their land/takeoff . . so they flew low as they neared the strip. I had to pull over and watch, and almost cried. To know of and take advantage of our freedoms every day is one thing. To see and hear those jets brings it home.
Maybe instead of lowering property values, something should be done to make it so that realtors selling property out there have potential buyers sign something saying they know about the trains and jets and understand the noise levels. But then what about homes and business all along Washburn Way to Crater Lake Parkway, or even all over the Basin? Don't we all have a phone call interrupted by the jets passing overhead?
And those train tracks, don't they help bring in food and other consumer goods, especially during some of our harshest winters? How difficult would it be for our needs if we shut these two down for the sake of noise?
The staff at the Base have fought and will fight for YOUR freedom. Isn't that why you moved to the Klamath Basin in the first place? Because of the notoriety of an air base here? So now what? Get rid of the planes and trains because they are an inconvenience to you?
I personally love the SOUND of the jets flying overhead, they are a reminder of MY freedom. And it's much better then air raid sirens . . . "
Maybe instead of lowering property values, something should be done to make it so that realtors selling property out there have potential buyers sign something saying they know about the trains and jets and understand the noise levels. But then what about homes and business all along Washburn Way to Crater Lake Parkway, or even all over the Basin? Don't we all have a phone call interrupted by the jets passing overhead?
And those train tracks, don't they help bring in food and other consumer goods, especially during some of our harshest winters? How difficult would it be for our needs if we shut these two down for the sake of noise?
The staff at the Base have fought and will fight for YOUR freedom. Isn't that why you moved to the Klamath Basin in the first place? Because of the notoriety of an air base here? So now what? Get rid of the planes and trains because they are an inconvenience to you?
I personally love the SOUND of the jets flying overhead, they are a reminder of MY freedom. And it's much better then air raid sirens . . . "
VW Bug wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:56 PM:
" We live near Kingsley and to be honest, we don't even notice the jets and we all run outside when the jets fly overhead (or helicopters or C130's). They are always and awesome sight!
Ironic or not, but when we bought our house, we KNEW that there was going to be noise, we were going to hear trains since we live near train tracks. Imagine that...
I am amazed at those people who bought houses in this area or near the train tracks being so surprised that there is noise from trains/jets? Really? Did you not notice the train tracks or the jets on the runway? "
Ironic or not, but when we bought our house, we KNEW that there was going to be noise, we were going to hear trains since we live near train tracks. Imagine that...
I am amazed at those people who bought houses in this area or near the train tracks being so surprised that there is noise from trains/jets? Really? Did you not notice the train tracks or the jets on the runway? "
Love Jets wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:31 PM:
" Every time they fly over, I'm thankful they're on our side! We purposely bought a house in the flight path so we could enjoy them all the more. The jets and the base are a big part of our community and I hope they stay as long as I'm around. I'm proud of Kingsley Field and proud of the men and women who serve! "
Kevin wrote on Nov 7, 2008 6:33 PM:
" When I grew up I lived across the street from a Naval Air Station...got to watch the Blue Angels every year. When I got married and bought a home, I had the Marine Corps Air Wing over head...the sound of FREEDOM. Now I have the Air Force in this town, definitely the sound of FREEDOM, even though they have the easiest job in the military. :) "
Property Value wrote on Nov 7, 2008 5:06 PM:
" What would your property be worth if we were taken over by another government? Be bombed by foreign governments? The Air National Guard at Kingsley is keeping us safe. How can money compare with the freedom and protection we have with these fighter jets? If I owned property closer to the airport, I would consider it a gift if the value went down in order to keep the Air National Guard here. Just think, if they were gone and the millions that they put into our economy was gone, what would your property be worth then? Trying to sell it in order to cash in on it, would be impossible. You would have to lower your price, probably lower than what the property value would be, in order to do it. Let's keep everything in perspective. "
Their Ours wrote on Nov 7, 2008 5:01 PM:
" Be so grateful that the F-15's flying over our homes belong to us!! What a horror it would be, if we were to walk out one day and see enemy fighter jets flying over our homes!! The noise from the planes would be nothing, compared to the bombs that could come from enemy planes. They fly directly over our home on their way to Eastern Oregon, and we love the noise!!! What a privilege that Klamath County has, when we consider that these jets are keeping us safe. They are right here!!!!!!!!!!! We must keep our complaints down-KEEP THOSE JETS FLYING!!! WE LOVE ALL OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN AT KINGSLEY!!!!! "
Little Do We Civilians Know...... wrote on Nov 7, 2008 4:56 PM:
" I agree on the 'sound of freedom'. But I've been personally told by more then one Tech out there that the pilots purposly fly low to cause noise. (of course they would never admit it) So maybe if the pilots would have some respect, the noise level wouldn't be so bad. "
Chris wrote on Nov 7, 2008 4:43 PM:
" Wow, it never ceases to amaze me...
... the airport has been around since the late 1920's and has been a military base since the early 1940's. It's like those that move next to railroad tracks and complain of the train noise: if you're going to live there, learn to deal with it.
As a guardsman out at Kingsley, I can assure you the top officials brief their pilots continuously on reducing as much noise as possible, but some are just plain unavoidable. To those that think they are Mavericks out there showing off, that's far from it, in fact, they could probably use some more pattern training but don't because of the community.
Learn to love it, that's the sound of freedom people.
And again, don't move next to a dang airport if you don't want to hear airplanes... "
... the airport has been around since the late 1920's and has been a military base since the early 1940's. It's like those that move next to railroad tracks and complain of the train noise: if you're going to live there, learn to deal with it.
As a guardsman out at Kingsley, I can assure you the top officials brief their pilots continuously on reducing as much noise as possible, but some are just plain unavoidable. To those that think they are Mavericks out there showing off, that's far from it, in fact, they could probably use some more pattern training but don't because of the community.
Learn to love it, that's the sound of freedom people.
And again, don't move next to a dang airport if you don't want to hear airplanes... "
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Ginger wrote on Nov 26, 2008 4:28 PM:
One thing our F-15's cannot give us is the right to have Freedom of Speech in this community. Anyone who objects to the conservative majority voice here elicits a very angry, defensive reaction from the aforementioned and is invited to shut up and move out. We can give our true opinions here only if we don't use our real names. But Freedom of Noise is ok. "