Orange County Register

ON BOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN – The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier is slicing through Southern California waters this week, performing war games in preparation for deployment to the western Pacific. And it’s doing so with some tight restrictions. A federal judge has set limits on when warships – including those that visit Seal Beach – can actively use sonar. (Read decision). The restrictions were imposed at the request of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which says it’s possible that the sonar can harm, kill or alter the path of marine mammals. (Overview of story.)

We flew out to the Reagan over the weekend to discuss the situation with Rear Admiral James P. “Phil” Wisecup, commander of Carrier Strike Group Seven. Here are excerpts from the interview, which was conducted 150 miles southwest of San Diego, beyond the normal migration lanes of California gray whales. (Editor’s note: the Navy-whale image with this story was taken in Northern California.)

1. Is there scientific evidence that the midrange frequency sonar is hurting marine mammals?

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2. Are the judge’s restrictions on the use of sonar affecting the Navy’s ability to train its crews?

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3. How is the Navy making sure it adheres to a judge’s orders to do all it can to prevent marine mammals from being exposed to sonar during the offshore exercises?

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