Bangor drones haven't posed physical threat
The Navy can't discuss how it's trying to prevent drones from illegally flying over Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, home to eight ballistic-missile submarines.
Bangor drones haven't posed physical threat The Navy can't discuss how it's trying to prevent drones from illegally flying over Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, home to eight ballistic-missile submarines. Check out this story on kitsapsun.com: http://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/northwest-navy-life/2016/05/13/bangor-drones-havent-posed-physical-threat/94277548/
Kitsap Sun Published 10:00 p.m. PT May 12, 2016
The Navy can't discuss how it's trying to prevent drones from illegally flying over Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, home to eight ballistic-missile submarines.
Officials recently provided a few more details about several incidents involving unmanned aircraft over the past few months.
Most important, the flyovers haven't posed a physical threat, said Navy Region Northwest spokeswoman Sheila Murray. An unspecified number of drones have been spotted by service members and civilians on base. They've been seen at all times of day, in a variety of places and have come from off base.
The Federal Aviation Administration designated the airspace above the base as 'prohibited' in May 2005 at the Navy's request. Besides the base, the area extends to the water across Hood Canal and the Navy-owned portion of Toandos Peninsula.
Penalties range widely, from $1,000 to $250,000, with additional fines for damages or injuries caused by the device, Murray said.
Aircraft must fly at least 2,500 feet over the base, which eliminates drones because they're restricted to no more than 400 feet off the ground. They also must remain in the pilot's sight.
Navy officials wouldn't speculate on the operators' motives, preferring only to emphasize how hazardous the behavior could be.
The officials also don't give away tactics.
'We don't discuss our security posture, but we are committed to the safety and security of our community, our personnel and our installation,' Murray said.
The ability to track drones is considered force protection. The Navy doesn't talk about specific capabilities and locations of those systems. It also doesn't discuss specific rules for use of force.
'However, we always have the right and responsibility to self-defense,' Murray said.
Navy officials are working with the FAA and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and eventually prosecute those who fly drones into the national security area.
Some drones can be seen on radar, but others can't because they fly too low or are too small, FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said. All drones of more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the agency.
Kenitzer suggested the Bangor culprits are just exploring.
'I think it's more likely that people are just curious,' he said. 'They have this (new) capability. It's cool to fly and look at the neat stuff they (the Navy) have over there, even though they're not supposed to.'
The Navy re-emphasized that if anyone sees a drone to call 360-396-4444. If possible, take a photo or video for the security team. Drones operating illegally also can be reported to Kenitzer at 425-227-2015 or allen.kenitzer@faa.gov, or the operations center at 425-227-02015.
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