Navy fighters shake up rural Nevada residents

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

The ear-deafening sound waves struck around 10 a.m. Monday.

Ray Salisbury, who runs the Pony Express Bed & Breakfast, said he was on the phone when he heard the first sonic boom followed by a loud crash.

"The chandelier was lying on the floor," he said. "I think I was at the epicenter of it. At the second boom, my 50-pound dog jumped into my arms."

More than 20 reports of damage were received, authorities said.

Navy Capt. Scott Ronnie said Austin is located in the middle of the operating area for jets flying out of Fallon Naval Air Station.

"There are booms happening all the time," Ronnie said.

But while the supersonic area is west of town, a sonic boom at the edge of the authorized area occasionally travels, he said.

"Austin is right under our operating area -- right in the middle," he said. "There are places we are authorized to do things and places we're not."

Ronnie said the Navy has sent investigators, Seabees and a lawyer to Austin to work with people whose property was damaged.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., also promised an investigation.

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