Critics Warn Marine Corps To Base New Jets Far Away From Miramar

The military wants to base its new F-35 fighter jets at MCAS Miramar.

A controversial change is in the works at MCAS Miramar.  

The military wants to base the new "F-35" fighter jet at Miramar. The so-called "Joint Strike Fighter" would replace the aging F/A 18 Hornet.  

Airfield operations at Miramar would decrease by roughly 17 percent, and fewer nearby residents would be affected by jet noise.  But opponents want the F-35s based somewhere else.  

They say the F-35's are a safety risk to heavily populated nearby neighborhoods, and will still be way too loud. Critics cite the crash back in December of 2008 when an F/A 18 Hornet slammed into a University City home, killing Don Yoon's wife, two baby daughters, and mother-in-law.

The jet was heading to MCAS Miramar when its engines died. 

In March of 2009, a Marine investigation determined that the pilot should have landed at NAS North Island.

It also concluded that the Hornet should have been removed from service when mechanics realized  it had a  fuel problem. 

Four leaders of the squadron were relieved of duty. Yoon is suing the U.S. government and Boeing which makes the Hornet, for negligence. 

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