MICHAEL SWAN: ARMY RANGERS, MILITARY AVIATORS TO CONDUCT TRAINING JULY 13-27 >>>
We just received word that the Army Rangers will amp up the noise level on Fort Lewis:
Fort Lewis, Wash. - 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment will conduct a military training exercise July 13-27, at locations on Fort Lewis, Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, and in surrounding communities. Also, the South Brooks Road - located west of Fairchild Air Force Base - will be closed from July 23-27 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening in conjunction with this training, to protect public safety.
Military aviators assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, Ky., and Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla. will support the exercise with fixed-wing (airplane) and rotary-wing (helicopter) aircraft. Aviators will also conduct nape-of-the-earth flights (flying low to the ground) and aerial refueling missions during this exercise.
Residents of communities where training is taking place may observe increased noise, increased air traffic, air traffic during hours of darkness, and low-flying aircraft during this exercise.
Tough, realistic training is critical to prepare Army Rangers for their mission to stand ready to deploy anywhere in the world and conduct high-intensity military operations at a moment's notice. This is scheduled training, conducted at regular intervals, to maintain individual Solider and unit readiness.
Fort Lewis, the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and Air Force Special Operations Command are extremely sensitive to the impact such exercises has on local citizens, and intends to conduct this training safely and courteously. Every measure to reduce the amount of noise associated with the training will be taken, and we appreciate the support of the local community.
Members of the community can report concerns about training-related activity by calling the Fort Lewis Community Relations hotline, at 253.967. 0852.
