The proposed Pantego wind energy project slated for 11,000 acres in eastern North Carolina has run into concerns from Air Force officials at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. That’s because the size of the wind turbines would likely harm training operations for F-15Es at the nearby Dare County Bombing Range, reported the Charlotte Observer. The rotating blades on the wind farm’s 49 turbines would be as high as 492 feet in the air, giving overflying Strike Eagles a thin margin of clearance as they train for low-level bombing, states the newspaper’s Aug. 31 report. The location of the turbines could also interfere with radar used to track Strike Eagle practice runs, according to the report. A Defense Department review panel is reportedly scheduled to meet on Sept. 10 to discuss the project, which requires federal government approval to proceed.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…