Inspired by a letter to the editor from a former special forces soldier, the Langley City Council passed a resolution opposing military training in state parks as proposed by the Navy special forces in 29 parks all around Puget Sound.

I am also former military and cannot comprehend why it would be a good idea to mix military training and civilian recreation. If the Navy really does not use civilians for special reconnaissance training as claimed, then why not rope off an area to prevent accidental incursion? 

Many would have no problem with the Navy renting property for a few days — even in state parks — and keeping military training and civilian activities separated.

There appears to be more to the story than is being disclosed since the Navy has been adamant about keeping the parks open during training since “no one will even know we are there.” 

In a presentation the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission on Nov. 19, Chief Petty Officer Alverado compared the trainees to “ninjas,” saying they move and hide without being detected. How do you know if you are undetectable unless you have unaware people nearby?

It seems rather obvious that despite the earnest protestations of the Navy’s representatives, the public is very much involved in special ops training and evaluation.

I urge the Port Townsend City Council and the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to join with Langley and oppose military training in state parks. Now more than ever we need a place to be safe, connect with nature and socially distanced friends. We need our state parks to be free from military training.

Larry Morrell
PORT TOWNSEND