Notice Of The Record Of Decision For The West Coast Basing Of The Mv 22 Aircraft

The Department of the Navy (DON), after carefully weighing the operational and environmental consequences of the proposed action, announces its decision to introduce up to ten MV-22 squadrons (120 aircraft) on the West Coast and replace nine helicopter squadrons (114 aircraft) currently authorized for basing on the West Coast as part of a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)-wide process of replacing its aging fleet of medium-lift helicopters with more advanced, operationally-capable aircraft. More specifically, this action will base up to eight MV-22 squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, in San Diego, California, and up to two MV-22 squadrons at MCAS Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego. The project will also require construction and/or renovation of airfield facilities at MCAS Miramar and MCAS Camp Pendleton to accommodate and maintain the MV-22 squadrons; and conduct of MV-22 readiness and training operations and special exercise operations to attain and maintain proficiency in the operational employment of the MV-22. All practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from the selected alternative have been adopted.