By Pat Culverhouse

Minden’s airport will be a lot busier than usual in early August when military helicopters and support personnel conduct training exercises as part of a U.S Army rapid deployment plan.

Plans for the upcoming mission were outlined Thursday when Maj. Jason Overstreet, Division Provost Marshal, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and military staff met with city and area officials at the local airport.

Maj. Overstreet reviewed cooperation between military and civilian personnel plus security and logistics with local and area first responders and law enforcement.

CH-47F Chinook helicopters are scheduled to touch down and refuel at Minden Airport as they travel from Fort Campbell, Ky., to Louisiana.