Marines Train In Indy

From the Indianapolis Star:

U.S. Marine helicopters will be landing at Eastgate Mall, Brookside Park and other locations throughout the city as Indianapolis becomes a mock battlefield in an urban combat training exercise.

About 2,300 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit -- based in Camp Lejuene, N.C. -- will be using various locations throughout the city for their Realistic Urban Training Exercise from June 4 to 19.

"Our aim in Indianapolis is to expose our Marines to realistic scenarios and stresses posed by operating in an actual urban community, thereby increasing their proficiency in built up areas," Col. Mark J. Desens, commander of the 26th MEU, wrote in a statement.

"While some of the activity will take place aboard Camp Atterbury, residents in many areas can expect to see helicopters flying overhead, military vehicles on the roads and Marines patrolling on foot," he said.

Much of the training will be centered near Camp Atterbury and other locations in Indiana and Kentucky. Residents living closest to the training locations will be notified in advance of any "mock raids" or other exercises, Desens said.

Landing sites include Eastgate Mall, Brookside Park, Ellenberger Park, Christian Park, Southeastway Park, Bush Stadium and Douglass Park.

Joe