M. Jodi Rell GOVERNOR
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
August 28, 2009
Cmdr. J.1. Cummings Strike Fighter Squadron ELEVEN VFA-li Oceana Naval Air Station Virginia Beach, Virginia 23460
Dear Commander Cummings: On the afternoon of August 27,2009, hundreds of Connecticut residents were needlessly frightened when an ~xtremely low-flying F -18 military fighter jet rattled windows, rattled nerves and even set off car alarms. This occurred without warning and without any explanation or communication to authorities in Connecticut. In short, we had no immediate or plausible answers for our concerned citizens who phoned law enforcement, local airports, my office, television stations, newspapers and even the Federal Aviation Administration - all of whom had no information at all about the aircraft, its flight pattern or its purpose. ~ost
concerning, however, was the dangerous nature of the flight. Witnesses say the jet flew about 100 feet over treetops and performed twisting maneuvers. All of this occurred above densely populated neighborhoods and below radar levels. This represents an incredibly perilous disregard for the safety of our citizens and is absolutely unacceptable. \Ve nm\' have been told this was a supposedly "routine" training flight based out of Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Inexplicably, it seems that the FAA was not immediately made aware of the training flight. This lack of communication and coordination is outrageous and caused needless alarm in dozens of Connecticut neighborhoods from our shoreline to the central region of the state. As we are all painfully aware, the world has changed dramatically since September II, 2001. With Connecticut's proximity to New York, the reminders of that dreadful day are all around us. The terrorist attacks put an entire nation on edge and the tragic images of that day will resonate with us forever.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS路 STATE CAPITOL
210 CAPITOL AVENUE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106
I have the highest regard and respect for the brave and well~trained men and women of our U.S. military. I also understand quite well and quite personally the critical need for training flights. However, I strongly question the need to fly so dangerously close to homes and businesses so as to potentially put many lives at risk. I would hope you take seriously my concerns and the concerns of our citizens. Please carry out training flights over more remote areas. I am also requesting that my office be apprised in advance of these missions. Sincerely,,4
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z/ M. Jodi Rell
Governor