Dennis V. McGinn

The Surveillance Towed Array Sonar System, Low Frequency Active (LFA) is necessary to protect national security and has a minimal impact on marine mammals, argues Vice- Admiral Dennis V. McGinn, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Requirements and Programs, in the following viewpoint. LFA sonar is necessary to protect national security, McGinn asserts, because traditional sonar cannot detect the new, quieter submarines that some hostile nations are developing. Tests to determine the impact of LFA sonar on marine mammals, he claims, showed only negligible changes in behavior. Moreover, he maintains, the U.S. Navy has implemented restrictions on frequency levels and installed equipment to monitor marine mammals in areas where LFA is used.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to McGinn, why are submarines ideal weapons for...