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t can be loud. Very loud. Booming loud. in fact. So loud that you wonder what on earth is happening. For some it’s a daily nuisance, for others it’s barely noticeable anymore. For all of us, it is what comes with living in close proximity to several military installations. It’s often called—with gratitude—the sound of freedom. We Know We Are Loud The US Army base at Fort Stewart, Hinesville, Ga, and Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga, generates a tremendous amount of noise, mostly from training exercises. They say, “We know we are loud,” and often post noise advisories on their website and social media pages. Not surprisingly, local residents often chime in on the subject. Some recent comments: Keep that freedom ringing. It shakes my house a little and I love it. When the pots rattle on the rack in my kitchen, I know it is the sound of my country's readiness. I live in the flight path of the helicopters. Have heard them my whole life to where I don’t even pay them any attention anymore! It’s just the sound of freedom! Makes me sleep better at night. I am so glad to hear the sound. To me it sounds like protection. There are always a few who are just glad to know what the heck is happening, and also a few comments from others who have difficulty living with it. Just going to drop this in over at Nextdoor. Folks in some neighborhoods have never heard the booms before and were confused. Thanks for this information. I really did not know what was going on. I know we need to be battle ready—but I hate this feeling of being shell shocked again. So this is what I’ve been hearing. No worries! Keep training! I did think it was thunder at first...Feeling quite safe and thankful knowing it's you guys. Hunter Army Airfield Fort Stewart The history of Hunter Army Airfield is essentially the history of aviation and, more broadly, the history of America. From its start as a small municipal airport, Savannah’s aviation jewel has played a crucial role in our country’s defense. Knowing this history may make an understanding of the noise and sounds emanating from there more interesting and less invasive. There is a good reason for every boom you hear! 1929 - Savannah Municipal Airport, located on 730 acres on the outskirts of the city, opens. 1940 - The airport is renamed Hunter Municipal Airfield, in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Frank O'Driscoll Hunter, 44
www.PoolerMagazine.com | July/August 2022
THE SOUND OF FREEDOM Story by Cindy Reid
