Lemoore Naval Air Station’s 18-thousand acres lie entirely within the Westland’s water district, the district most affected by the severe reductions in water imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to protect “endangered species” in the delta.

But without that water, Capt Knapp says, his “partner” farmers who cultivate the 12-thousand acres of farmland around his air station cannot do their job. A job he depends upon to accomplish his mission.

“What does farming do for NAS Lemoore and air operations? We pick crops that do not attract birds,” Knapp says.

Besides the reporter’s interesting use of “endangered,” we also have here an interesting example of brain failure, some notion that failure to deliver water will lead to dead airmen. (This is no accident. The reporter - Torres - has more “articles” like this. Is he a Westlands employee?)

If the air force wants non-bird crops, then the air force can get non-bird crops, no matter who is in charge or how much water they get. That’s because the air force can kill anyone who disagrees… duh.

Bottom Line: There is no national security interest behind water deliveries. Stick with contracts and the rule of law, not fear and propaganda.