Residents of the City of Minden and surrounding area may notice an increase in noise levels over the next few evenings, as various aircraft fly-in to refuel at Minden Airport in a training exercise.
“We will also see an increase in military presence, in a good way,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox. “And while these aircraft are refueling, that will be a big financial boost for us as a city.”
The 101st Airborne released the following information Monday, August 11.
Beginning on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 13, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will conduct a major training event spanning various locations in Mississippi and Louisiana.
This exercise is designed to assess the division’s ability to conduct large-scale, long-range air assault operations in conjunction with training scenarios that will test their communication, logistical resupply and tactical abilities. All military training will take place on military installations or local airfields, but residents may see or hear an increased helicopter presence.
Combat Aviation Brigade and supporting sustainment elements will establish various Forward Arming and Refueling Points for aircraft flying between Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Johnson, LA. Military helicopters will be refueled and resupplied at these FARPs before returning to Fort Campbell.
“We’re alerting the public to prepare nearby communities of an increase in noise as a result of rotary wing aircraft conducting training flights over the course of the next few days,” said Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Our priority is the safety of our Soldiers and families, as well as those of the nearby communities. We hope this notification will allow the affected communities to plan ahead in anticipation of this increase in military air traffic, and we are grateful for the support from local leaders and the Mississippi and Louisiana National Guard.”
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is a part of the Army’s effort to pioneer the evolution of vertical envelopment with modern equipment and well-trained soldiers, and to prepare the nation to win in any future military combat environment or conflict.