(March 31, 2003) -- That loud -- outrageously loud -- roar from LB Airport on Sunday night March 30 came from three Navy F-18's...not guarding LB, but used for a "fly by" at the CA Angels opening day game celebration.

Homeowners were observed coming out of their homes, standing on porches, some with visible alarm, as the deafening decibels shattered the Sunday night calm.

Responding to our query today, LB Airport spokeswoman Sharon Diggs-Jackson says the noise came from three Navy F-18's. They were used for a "fly by" of the California Angels (World Series champs) opening day game.

The F-18's landed on LB Airport's Runway 30 (main diagonal runway) at 5:05 p.m. for a fuel stop. One of the three F-18's departed at 6:35 p.m. on Runway 30 and flew over the harbor, making a left 180 degrees turn and flying north directly back over the airport [!] with a climbing altitude of 15,000 ft.

The other two F-18's departed together in formation [!] at about 9:00 p.m. from Runway 30, making a standard departure over the ocean. [LBReport.com comment: There was nothing "standard" about anything we heard.]

All three F-18's on departure used their after-burners -- which are very loud -- and is standard operating procedure for them.