Democratic Senate candidate Erskine Bowles said Wednesday that he opposes Navy plans to build a practice landing field for F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets in Eastern North Carolina.

Meeting with a group of Plymouth residents, Bowles said he agreed with residents' fight against the Navy's plans, citing the risk to pilots from geese who congregate at local wildlife refuge and the impact on local farmers.

"The Navy's intentions to move forward with this proposed site despite protests and opposition from residents and North Carolina leaders is a blow to a region already hit hard by tough economic times and by Hurricane Isabel," Bowles said in a letter sent this week to Navy Secretary Gordon England.

Bowles' likely GOP opponent, Congressman Richard Burr, has not taken a position on the landing field, said Paul Shumaker, a political aide. "He believes it is the responsibility of the Navy to completely adhere to the rules and follow due process," Shumaker said. "But we have not made it a practice to second-guess the decisions of our military leaders."

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Navy cannot proceed with the $186 million project until it holds hearings on environmental impact.