TH-57 replacement step closer

The Navy has determined that replacing the TH-57 training helicopters with a more advanced helicopter and new ground based training system will have no significant impact on the quality of the human environment. A finding of no significant impact has been issued and the preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required. The Navy is modernizingv its rotary-wing and tilt-rotor integrated pilot production training program at Training Air Wing Five at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, near Milton, Fla., and its respective helicopter training Navy Outlying Landing Fields in Florida. The replacement helicopter has not yet been chosen, but the Advanced Helicopter Training System will replace the TH-57 Sea Ranger training helicopters and simulators, and the training tempo will also increase. There will also be changes in operational tactics based on a new curriculum, construction of temporary and permanent supporting facilities, and an increase in personnel. The Navy has made available the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which evaluates the potential environmental effects of the replacement program. The Draft EA was made available for public review and comment from June 28 through July 19, 2019. All comments received were considered in preparing the Final EA. (Source: U.S. Fleet Forces Command, 09/19/19). Note: Final EA and FONSI