by ColossalContrarian » Sat 27 Jun 2009, 00:42:51
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('eXpat', '[')b]Downtown Los Angeles scene of military exercises
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'M')ilitary helicopters that have been startling Los Angeles residents with night-time flights downtown are just part of an ongoing exercise to familiarize troops with urban operations in preparation for deployment overseas.
Local TV, radio and other news outlets had received calls from several residents reporting helicopters darting between skyscrapers and carrying armed troops over City Hall.
Some speculated that the maneuvers were part of a movie shoot, but a notice on the LAPD blog revealed that police would be assisting the military in a group of urban exercises that will end Saturday.
In addition to the downtown flights, other activities are planned around town, so police said residents should not be alarmed if they happen across military units in uniform or carrying weapons.
http://www.examiner.com/x-7104-LA-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Downtown-Los-Angeles-scene-of-military-exercisesThis has been confirmed by LAPD
LAPD Supports Urban Military Training Exercises NR09285rf $this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'L')os Angeles: From June 15-27, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be providing support for joint military training exercises in and around the greater Los Angeles area.
The operations will be routine training exercises conducted by military personnel, designed to ensure the military’s ability to operate in urban environments, prepare forces for upcoming overseas deployments and meet mandatory training certification requirements.
Training sites have been carefully selected so that activities do not interfere with the daily routines of the local populace. Safety precautions have also been taken to prevent risk to the general public, as well as to military personnel involved. The training is not open to the public.