text: And this is an important point in relation to COER: As a nuclear assault weapon, the A-3 during that time period was an important cog in the U.S. response to the Cold War.  NAS Whidbey in the 1950s and early 60s was one of only two A-3 wings in the nation.  It was a huge carrier-based jet, the largest to fly on/off an aircraft carrier.  Big, loud engines flying over Oak Harbor and Coupeville during the height of the Cold War and the Vietnam War - much louder than the current Growler over-flights.  COER claims health risks from jet noise such as hearing loss, anxiety, cardiac issues AND students in the area who can't concentrate and their academic progress is severely affected?  Well... COER's president, Ken Pickard (as well as his sister, another COER member) grew up in Coupeville and went to school there during that time period.  Where were their complaints and claims then?