Thrills in Independence

Are those loud booms just thunder from summer storms, or sonic booms from our local flyboys from China Lake? NAWS China Lake announced that on July 7 and 8 they would be sending flight tests twice a day in the vicinity of Independence, although they promised no supersonic flight … and apparently there are no intentions of weapon releases.

According to a statement from officials at China Lake, these events would include flights directly over the town. The testing requires aircrew to fly as low as 1000 feet over populated areas to simulate urban missions. On hearing about it, a frequent visitor to the area, Elson Trinidad with KCET in Los Angeles, told Independence resident Mary Roper that this might well be the first time ever that Independence has been referenced as “urban” in its history.

All flights have been conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration directives and have taken place during the day. So again, if local residents were hearing booms during the night, they could rest assured that it is thunder from the series of summer storms that have been visiting the area recently and not sonic booms from our service men and women in the sky.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with the local population in the vicinity of NAWS China Lake. We are very grateful for the support and understanding we have received from in the past from the citizens of Independence when executing similar tests,” said Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Commanding Officer Capt. Gordon Cross.

“Operational tests of this nature are required to adequately evaluate new combat systems; systems that deliver increased capabilities to the Sailors and Aircrew at sea,” he said. “Please feel free to call the Public Affairs Office at (760) 939-1683 or (760) 939-3511 if you have any questions or concerns.”

Mary Roper had this to say about it: “I’ve been watching this all day and I just love it!”

You take your entertainment in the Town of Independence when and where you can get it!