New Beaufort runway mimics lighted carrier

New Beaufort runway mimics lighted carrier
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Oct 15, 2008 7:03:48 EDT

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. — Aviators at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are getting a chance to use a renovated runway with special lights that simulate landing on an aircraft carrier.

The air station’s 12,000-foot main runway opens Wednesday after an eight-month, $6 million renovation.

Marine officials said more than 32,000 tons of asphalt was used and the new lighting was installed during the effort.

The Marines fly F/A-18 Hornet jets and conduct numerous night and daytime landings during months of deployment at sea.

While the main runway was under construction, the aviators used a shorter 8,000-foot runway.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_beaufortrunway_101508/%2e