Navy to adjust northwest U.S. training and testing after environmental review

The Navy is adjusting its training and testing in the northwestern United States following an environmental review.

The service completed an environmental impact statement for air and sea space training in the eastern north Pacific Ocean region, which covers areas around Washington and Alaska.

The service chose to conduct a “representative level of training activity rather than a maximum level of training activity,” which was the “environmentally preferred action alternative,” according to the Sept. 23 record of decision.

Under the plan, the Navy will conduct military readiness activities as necessary to meet readiness requirements, the record of decision states. Some unit-level training would be conducted using simulators, and some active sonar training will be completed outside of the study area.

“The majority of testing activities that would be conducted under this alternative are the same as or similar to those conducted currently or in the past,” the decision states.