Book excerpt: The Department of the Navy (DON), after carefully weighing the operational and environmental consequences of the proposed action, announces its decision to introduce up to ten MV-22 squadrons (120 aircraft) on the West Coast and replace nine helicopter squadrons (114 aircraft) currently authorized for basing on the West Coast as part of a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)-wide process of replacing its aging fleet of medium-lift helicopters with more advanced, operationally-capable aircraft. More specifically, this action will base up to eight MV-22 squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, in San Diego, California, and up to two MV-22 squadrons at MCAS Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego. The project will also require construction and/or renovation of airfield facilities at MCAS Miramar and MCAS Camp Pendleton to accommodate and maintain the MV-22 squadrons; and conduct of MV-22 readiness and training operations and special exercise operations to attain and maintain proficiency in the operational employment of the MV-22. All practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm from the selected alternative have been adopted.