Navy proposes drone operations base in California
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}About 700 personnel and their families would move to Point Mugu under a military proposal to make Naval Base Ventura County the West Coast home for a drone aircraft.
The Ventura County Star reports the Navy is seeking public comment on its proposal to base four remotely-controlled Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Point Mugu for marine reconnaissance beginning in 2020. The base also would serve as a maintenance center, supporting up to four additional aircraft.
Naval officials released a draft environmental assessment on Friday. The public can comment on it until March 11.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The newspaper says the drone would conduct an average of five daily flights, increasing overall operations at Point Mugu by about five percent.
The Triton is a 48-foot unarmed drone with a 131-foot wingspan.