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Plane Truths explores increased activity at the navy base on Whidbey Island, Washington, which is making life unbearable for locals and wildlife — collateral damage in the ever increasing militarization of society.
The recent expansion of Navy training activities in the Northwest has many local residents concerned. Community members on Whidbey Island, the San Juans, and the Olympic Peninsula are disturbed by an increase in noise caused by new EA-18G "Growler" jets based at Naval Air Station Whidbey (NAS) — and a significant proposed expansion of daily Growler test flights. On Whidbey, communities have been additionally impacted by water system pollution caused by chemicals used for firefighting on NAS landing strips.
Plane Truths explores a variety of perspectives on these issues from farmers, current and retired military personnel, environmentalists and other citizens of the affected areas. Viewers will learn how the noise of the Growler jets has affected daily life and business operations in many communities, the regional environmental impacts of expanded Growler flights and newly approved Navy training in Olympic National Forest, potential economic ramifications of increased Navy activity and associated population growth, and the status of — and Navy response to — water system pollution on Whidbey Island.
33 minutes
SDH captions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Directed by Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin
Produced by Melissa Young
Photography, Editing: Mark Dworkin
A Moving Images Production
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”Bores deeply into the 'war zone' created by a Navy training site amidst rural farms, marine reserves and Olympia National Park in the state of Washington. The film, which explores all sides of this human and ecological tragedy — justified in the name of national defense — is ideal for...debate and strategic community planning."
Patricia Hynes, Professor Emerita of Environmental Health, Boston University, Director, Traprock Center for Peace and Justice
"An important film revealing the human and environmental damage caused by daily training by the U.S. Navy in the otherwise gorgeous setting of Washington state's Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. Jet noise loud enough to cause hearing loss, drinking water contamination, and underwater noise pollution dangerous to whales and other sea life are among the harms suffered by locals. So far, the Navy seems to have callously ignored protests demanding it protect local safety and security — although this film is a helpful demand for change."
David Vine, Associate Professor of Anthropology, American University, Author, Base Nation: How U. S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World
"America's dirty secret is being exposed only through stories like Whidbey Island. Our addiction to the Pentagon is destroying communities. Plane Truths helps to uncover American-style-militarism and its devastating impact on ordinary citizens."
Will Griffin, Veterans For Peace, The Peace Report