If you've been hearing the sounds of military helicopters moving in and out of the Gainesville Regional Airport this week, there's a far-flung explanation -- and the aircraft will be around until at least Friday.
The helicopters, which have been taking off and landing at the airport since Saturday, are stationed temporarily at the University Air Center, the fixed-base operation at the Gainesville airport, and are part of a larger training exercise in South Florida conducted by the U.S. Special Operations Command based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, said Maj. Mike Burns, a public affairs spokesman for the command.
The flights in and out of Gainesville encompass between four to eight aircraft and are made up of Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, Burns said.
The Chinooks, a heavy-bodied helicopter, have distinctive tandem rotor blades. Black Hawks are smaller and are the military's go to utility helicopter. Both have big engines and typically fly low in combat situations, which are what the exercises are simulating.
The Special Operations Command oversees special operations of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Burns would not specifically say why aircraft were taking off from Gainesville for exercises in the Miami area.
A press releases issued by Miami Dade County advises that the exercise includes the use of military helicopters and simulated gunfire. The training is meant to prepare for combat missions in urban areas and to prepare forces for upcoming overseas missions, according to the release.
Story and Photo: http://www.gainesville.com
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