F-35: The sound of freedom – or aggravation?
By Kim Fields for KBTV.com, February 20, 2017
The Idaho Air National Guard at Boise’s Gowen Field is now on the short-list to become home to the next F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Squadron. Those on the inside say Boise’s chances are strong given our world-class ranges and available air space. However, others in the community say not in our backyard.
Boise — The F-35 is described as the future of America’s tactical aviation. Its loudness is the sound of freedom for many in America. For others, the noise is nothing short of aggravation.
The Idaho Air National Guard at Boise’s Gowen Field is now on the short list to become home to the next F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Squadron. Those on the inside say Boise’s chances are strong, given our world-class ranges and available air space.
However, others in the community say not in our backyard. KTVB has covered the F-35 informational meetings at the Boise Airport, where some in the community voice concern the F-35s would be too noisy.
Now, KTVB is reporting a different perspective. We thought, what better way to learn more about the impact of the F-35s than from someone who’s already living with the noise? News anchor Kim Fields traveled to Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah, home to the F-35, to visit with a couple who four years ago were saying, “not in my backyard.”
“I used to sit out on the patio,” said Gary Slate. “It just grinds on you. It just, I don’t know. It just gets to you after awhile.”