F/A-18E Super Hornets fly in formation. Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy. Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe.

Naval Air Station North Island expects an increase in military flights above and around Coronado over the next few weeks as pilots train for military operations and deployment, according to a Navy spokesman.  

“The current increase is due to normal carrier air wing training combined with T‑34 familiarization flights for Navy midshipmen,” said Kevin Dixon, the public affairs officer for North Island. “This training is essential to ensure our pilots, aircrews and future Navy officers are prepared to operate effectively and safely.” 

Aircraft such as F/A‑18 Hornets and Super Hornets, EA‑18G Growlers, T‑34 training aircraft are most active in these operations. The Hornets and Growlers are jets. The T-34 is a two-seat, propeller-driven plane. 

While additional training may be loud for nearby residents, the increase is temporary, and is due to essential pre-deployment training. This training period will end in the next few weeks, however, flight activity will increase again when the next training cycle commences.  

“These flights are a vital part of our mission to maintain readiness and prepare the next generation of naval aviators,” added Dixon. “We appreciate the community’s understanding and continued support of our sailors and aviators.”

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Lilly Corcoran is a part-time general assignment reporter for The Coronado News. Previously, she worked as a producer for a video podcast based in Washington, D.C., covering Middle Eastern policy and U.S. Congressional affairs. Her reporting experience also includes a multimedia investigative story on pediatric HIV/AIDS in Tijuana, Mexico. Lilly holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis in writing from Point Loma Nazarene University.