Newport Beach officials believe military flyover tributes should be noticed in advance, and they have sent a letter to a U.S. Congressman to try to make that happen.
The April 10 letter, signed by City Manager Dave Kiff, was in
response to a flyover that was part of a memorial service for John
Francis (Jack) Callahan, a war hero who died this winter at age 94.
“The jets flew low and were, of course, loud,” the letter states. “A
number of our residents (including Mayor Nancy Gardner and myself) were
startled. I immediately assumed that the jets were on a defensive
mission along our coastline.”
The police department’s dispatch units, and possibly officials at
John Wayne airport, also were unaware of the flyover, Kiff’s letter
states.
“So when residents contacted us for answers and assurance, we didn’t have any,” he wrote.
“There’s no questions this was a fitting tribute to a decorated,
naval aviator and I understand that those attending the funeral were
quite moved by the honor,” he wrote. “I would have been as well…Newport
Beach is a community that is very proud and supportive of the men and
women in the U.S. military and would not hinder any effort to honor
their service to our country. Our goal is to respectfully request
advanced notice if and when a ceremonial flyover is planned.”
City staff research has indicated that the request would need to be
made to the U.S. Navy, and the letter asks for Rep. Campbell to help
with that.
The flyover occurred about 6 p.m. March 24 when four F-18s from the
Miramar Naval Air Station flew from the south in formation until one
peeled away in a missing-man tribute. The jets were followed by two
World War II T-6s that circled several times.
Callahan’s memorial was held at the Balboa Yacht Club, and many of
the 125 attendees were moved to tears, said Bob Callahan, Callahan’s
son.
The city has not yet received a response from Campbell’s office, said Tara Finnigan, a Newport Beach city spokeswoman.
Source: http://www.coronadelmartoday.com
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