Residents in Vicksburg and the surrounding areas may experience some unusual sounds between now and May 10, thanks to a scheduled military exercise, officials with the 101st Airborne Division said this week.

Between now and May 10, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will conduct a major training event, spanning various locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana, the division announced. This exercise is designed to assess the Division’s ability to conduct large-scale, longrange air assault operations in conjunction with training scenarios that will test their communication, logistical resupply and tactical abilities. Notably, the exercise will include a historic number of aircraft from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, combining “Screaming Eagles” and “All-American” Soldiers.

Residents living in and around the areas below may observe increased military ground and air traffic and noise during this time, officials said: Oxford (University-Oxford Airport); Vicksburg (Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport); Minden, Louisiana (Camp Minden Training Site); and Alexandria, Louisiana (Alexandria International Airport).

While an exact date for operations taking place at the Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport was not given, officials said residents may see or hear an increased presence of military helicopters and ground vehicles moving around the region. 

Army helicopters and supporting sustainment elements will establish Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) for aircraft flying between Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Johnson, Louisiana, officials said, adding military ground vehicles will also be moving between Fort Campbell and the cities involved in training.

“We’re alerting the public to prepare nearby communities for an increase in noise and traffic during this exercise,” Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), said. “Our priority is the safety of our soldiers and the citizens of nearby communities, and we are grateful for the support from local citizens, local leaders and the Mississippi and Louisiana National Guard.”

Officials said 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.

They added that it is important to note this is a military training exercise and there are no air show displays or other public events at these locations.