thedrifter
12-09-08, 07:19 AM
Desert Talon conducting training at Joe Henry Park
Comments 5 | Recommend 3
December 8, 2008 - 3:56 PM
BY JOYCE LOBECK, SUN STAFF WRITER
As more Marines prepare to deploy to Iraq, they first come to Yuma for a training experience to help prepare them for urban and desert operations they're likely to face.
The final phase of the 11th Desert Talon training exercise will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, through Wednesday at Joe Henry Park.
The training, which was established in January 2004, is conducted in June and December in Yuma each year as predeployment training for aviation and aviation support squadrons deploying to the Middle East.
It's valuable training, noted Maj. Scott Silvia, a coordinator for the Yuma-based Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 that provides training for military aviators who come from all over for the exercise. The training also is helpful when American military is called upon to provide assistance in other situations.
"We appreciate the city's support," Silvia said during a recent presentation to the Yuma City Council.
Mayor Larry Nelson responded: "We appreciate what the Marines do for the nation. They lay their lives on the line so we can have our freedoms."
Desert Talon helps create relationships among deploying units, who train in a realistic setting for potential operations in a populated area, Silvia said. During the exercise, Marines will be responding to encounters that simulate improvised explosive devices (IED), practice urban air support and casualty evacuation, conduct convoys and role-play encounters with civilians as mounted patrols.
CH-46E helicopters will be seen landing at the park during training, and the public may hear noise from blank shots and IED simulations. Marine jets and attack helicopters also will participate in the exercise.
A number of measures are being taken to ensure the safety of area residents and property, Silvia said in response to complaints the city received by a property owner who said her home was damaged by the aircraft flying overhead.
"We know safe routes to fly. We feel we can pull off this exercise without undue harm to property," Silvia said.
Aircraft will approach the park from the north to minimize their flying over homes, he said, and pilots have been briefed to maintain at least 500 feet in altitude except when landing. No more than four helicopters will be over the city simultaneously: two H-46s and two H-1s. All aircraft will monitor Yuma airport frequency.
Aircraft will not be carrying ordnance and guns will be empty, he said. Military Crash Fire Rescue will be onsite during the exercise, as well as Yuma police and military police.
A Marine convoy of six to eight vehicles will drive through the city to Joe Henry Park in the evening, observing all traffic lights and signs on the way.
Ellie
Comments 5 | Recommend 3
December 8, 2008 - 3:56 PM
BY JOYCE LOBECK, SUN STAFF WRITER
As more Marines prepare to deploy to Iraq, they first come to Yuma for a training experience to help prepare them for urban and desert operations they're likely to face.
The final phase of the 11th Desert Talon training exercise will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, through Wednesday at Joe Henry Park.
The training, which was established in January 2004, is conducted in June and December in Yuma each year as predeployment training for aviation and aviation support squadrons deploying to the Middle East.
It's valuable training, noted Maj. Scott Silvia, a coordinator for the Yuma-based Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 that provides training for military aviators who come from all over for the exercise. The training also is helpful when American military is called upon to provide assistance in other situations.
"We appreciate the city's support," Silvia said during a recent presentation to the Yuma City Council.
Mayor Larry Nelson responded: "We appreciate what the Marines do for the nation. They lay their lives on the line so we can have our freedoms."
Desert Talon helps create relationships among deploying units, who train in a realistic setting for potential operations in a populated area, Silvia said. During the exercise, Marines will be responding to encounters that simulate improvised explosive devices (IED), practice urban air support and casualty evacuation, conduct convoys and role-play encounters with civilians as mounted patrols.
CH-46E helicopters will be seen landing at the park during training, and the public may hear noise from blank shots and IED simulations. Marine jets and attack helicopters also will participate in the exercise.
A number of measures are being taken to ensure the safety of area residents and property, Silvia said in response to complaints the city received by a property owner who said her home was damaged by the aircraft flying overhead.
"We know safe routes to fly. We feel we can pull off this exercise without undue harm to property," Silvia said.
Aircraft will approach the park from the north to minimize their flying over homes, he said, and pilots have been briefed to maintain at least 500 feet in altitude except when landing. No more than four helicopters will be over the city simultaneously: two H-46s and two H-1s. All aircraft will monitor Yuma airport frequency.
Aircraft will not be carrying ordnance and guns will be empty, he said. Military Crash Fire Rescue will be onsite during the exercise, as well as Yuma police and military police.
A Marine convoy of six to eight vehicles will drive through the city to Joe Henry Park in the evening, observing all traffic lights and signs on the way.
Ellie