Laser Pointers Causing Major Distractions For Pilots at NAS

Pilots flying multi-million dollar aircraft to NAS Oceana say that a major distraction is posing an extreme threat to their safety.

When the pilots are preparing to land, they say a beam of light coming from laser pointers are blinding them.  

“You're getting ready to land--you're getting ready to go through a number of steps configuring the airplane to touchdown. Not being able to see is a big problem,” says Captain James Webb, commander of Naval Air Station Oceana.

Within the last 18 months, the Navy says they've seen an increase in the number of "laser" sightings.

Captain Webb says it's likely the culprits behind the laser pointers are people standing on the balconies of the hotels at the oceanfront.

Though the laser sightings seem random and non-malicious, he says each time it happens, it puts the pilot's life in jeopardy.

“In the two-seaters, there aren't any sticks in the back. So if you lose the ability to fly it in proximity to the ground, it gets pretty dangerous,” says Webb.

NewsChannel 3 has also learned that there is no federal or state law that protects military planes from lasers.
To protect his pilots, Captain Webb contacted Virginia Beach's city council, asking them to take action and bring this issue to the general assembly. 

Currently, the state and city codes prohibit against pointing lasers at law enforcement officials.  The city wants lawmakers to modify the code to specifically include aircraft.

Captain Webb says that this change could save someone’s life.

“We need to make sure that everyone is aware of the safety concerns and understand the possible legal ramifications that can come with that,” says Webb.

Oceana officials report these incidents to the FAA and the FBI.

If the general assembly decides to change the state code, police would be able to investigate these claims and

issue citations.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-laser-pointers-causing-major-distraction-for-pilots-at-nas-20111004,0,3455648.story

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Homecoming

More than 5,000 sailors are home in Norfolk this week.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group returned after more than six months at sea.

Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Three (VFA-83), the "Rampagers", Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VFA-103), the "Jolly Rogers", Strike Fighter Squadron One Three One (VFA-131), the "Wildcats", and Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Three, (VFA-143), the "Pukin' Dogs" arrived at NAS Oceana at 2:00 p.m. with 44 aircraft and 56 aircrew.

Whoever said size matters has never met the families of the Bluetails - they make a lot of noise for a group of 20 Naval Aviators. It's a small, very close family.

"It's a tight group. We're all happy here supporting each other. Just because there's not hundreds of people doesn't make this any less special. Oh no trust me," said Jenny Dzieann, Navy wife. "I like it like this because it's more personal for us. We've all seen each other here and there. It's like family. It is," added Shanta Brooks, Navy wife.

The men are part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group. They have been overseas for the past six months.

"Six months and a few days. Not that you're counting. No," Brooks said.

Wives and mothers kept watch on the homefront.

Dzieann said, "I think of everything that we have done since he left, the milestones, trials, and tribulations, but we're so proud."

When a loved one has been half way around the world away from family and friends for several months it doesn't matter how many people are there to greet them when they arrive - as long as that one special person is there.

"I would not be able to do what I do without my wife of course, but everyone who helps us out. Neighbors, family."

Family - the one word that can make a hardened warrior weak at the knees. The one thing they cling to the most no matter how small.

During the Bluetails' mission one of its aviators dies.

Lieutenant Steven Zilberman was killed when his plane had engine trouble and crashed into the Arabian Sea. He was able to save his crew, telling them to bail out of the plane before it crashed with him in it.
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