[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48969-48970]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20024]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Record of Decision for the U.S. Marine Corps Basing of MV-22 and 
H-1 Aircraft in Support of III Marine Expeditionary Force Elements in 
Hawaii

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Record of Decision.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code (U.S.C) 4321-4374, as 
implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500-1508, Department of the 
Navy (DoN) NEPA regulations (32 CFR part 775), and Marine Corps Order 
P5090.2A (with Changes 1 and 2) Marine Corps Environmental Compliance 
and Protection Manual, Chapter 12, the DoN announces its decision to 
base and operate up to two Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) squadrons (up 
to 12 MV-22 Osprey per squadron, for a total of 24 aircraft) and one 
Marine Light Attack Helicopter (HMLA) squadron (15 AH-1 Cobra attack 
and 12 UH-1 Huey utility helicopters, for a total of 27 aircraft) in 
support of III Marine Expeditionary Force elements in Hawaii.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The tiltrotor MV-22 Osprey aircraft provides 
the ``next generation equipment'' offering increased speed, longer 
range, and greater mission versatility than a helicopter. The MV-22 
also satisfies the medium-lift capability needed for assault support 
transport of combat troops, equipment, and supplies. The HMLA squadron 
will be relocated from Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton to 
provide rotary-wing light-lift and attack capabilities not currently 
based in Hawaii and routine training with infantry. The 3d Regiment at 
MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay is the only infantry regiment within the Marine 
Corps that

[[Page 48970]]

does not routinely train with rotary-wing light-lift and attack 
support.
    In support of the proposed action to base and operate up to two VMM 
squadrons and one HMLA squadron in Hawaii, the DoN will: (1) Implement 
facilities projects at MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay to accommodate the 
squadrons, to include demolition, new construction, and renovation; (2) 
conduct aviation training, readiness, and special exercise operations 
at training facilities and federally obligated state airports 
statewide; and (3) construct improvements at selected training 
facilities.
    All practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from 
the selected alternative have been adopted.
    The complete text of the Record of Decision is available for public 
viewing on the project Web site at www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis along 
with the Final Environmental Impact Statement and the Programmatic 
Agreement negotiated under Section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act. For further information, contact Naval Facilities 
Engineering Command, Pacific Division, Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS 
Project Manager, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-
3134. Telephone 808-472-1196.

    Dated: August 6, 2012.
C.K. Chiappetta,
Lieutenant Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-20024 Filed 8-14-12; 8:45 am]
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