DECATUR, Ala. — Decatur residents have been warned they may see--and hear--more military aircraft in the area this week. However, it's all part of a training exercise by the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command.
Mayor Tab Bowling made a statement on Sunday in advance of the weeklong training, which will take place between March 25-29. The full text of Mayor Bowling's statement reads as follows:
“Elements of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command are conducting training in the Decatur, AL, area from 25 to 29 March 2024. Aviation assets will be involved, so citizens may hear a higher level of noise associated with military aircraft. This training has been fully coordinated with local government and law enforcement officials and is not in response to any real-world event.
"Extensive safety precautions are in place to protect the service members and local citizens and to limit inconvenience to the communities. Due to inherent risks to personal safety associated with aviation training, there will be no opportunities for public viewing of this training. For further information, please contact the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command Public Affairs Office at (910) 907-0960.”
Per the USASOC's website, "The Aviation Command organizes, mans, trains, resources and equips ARSOA units to provide responsive, special operations aviation support to Special Operations Forces."
