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Pretty amazing to hear at that distance. Even better with my foot just inches outside the active runway. Watching them come in from that close proximity never disappoints. Truly heart-stopping, to say the least. Love NAS Whidbey NOLF carrier ops. Most do/some do not. But that... IS ...the sound of FREEDOM!

Bill, that's not a short control tower. It's a wheels watch shack. Enlisted sailors are assigned "wheels watch duty" to ensure that the approaching aircraft have their landing gear down and locked. After performing touch and go or Field Carrier Landing Practice FCLP,for an hour or two, some pilots just forget about the landing gear.

Thanks Chris Croft! I didn't know that.

Bill,I forgot to mention what a great shot this is. Cheers!