BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – You may notice military personnel, vehicles, or related training activity in and around Battle Creek beginning next week as part of Northern Strike 26-2.
Running August 3-14, it is the National Guard’s largest joint readiness exercise and is conducted at locations like the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and their associated special-use airspace. Additional training locations include Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Rogers City Quarry, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airfield and K.I. Sawyer Airfield in Marquette.
City officials say limited training activities are planned at designated locations in the Battle Creek area on four non-consecutive days during that period. Activities have been coordinated with local, state, and federal partners to minimize impacts on the community and do not pose a threat to public safety.
The Battle Creek portion of the exercise will not include large-scale military maneuvers or troop movements throughout the city.
“We’re sharing this information so neighbors know what they may see in the community during the exercise period,” said Jared Hall, emergency management administrator for the City of Battle Creek. “Any military activity associated with Northern Strike is planned and coordinated with local partners. We want neighbors to be informed and help prevent unnecessary concern, confusion, or rumors.”
The Battle Creek Police Department is coordinating with the Michigan National Guard, neighboring law enforcement agencies, and the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority throughout the exercise. Dispatch officials will receive advance notice before planned activities occur at local training locations.
Comments