HARRISBURG, Pa. - Residents and visitors to Central Pennsylvania should expect to see and hear large military transport planes landing and taking off at Harrisburg International Airport through Monday, May 12, as a part of an emergency-preparedness exercise being hosted by the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Several U.S. Air Force C-5s and C-17s, among the largest military aircraft in the world, will make their way in and out of Harrisburg International Airport where crews and cargo will participate in Vigilant Guard, a quarterly national exercise designed to improve cooperation and effectiveness between National Guard units and state and federal first responders in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.
“It’s not every day we get a chance to see these large cargo planes in our area,” said Capt. Jay Ostrich, spokesperson for the 193rd Special Operations Wing which will host the aircraft. “If you see an increase in military aircraft overhead, don’t worry, it’s all a part of a controlled and carefully planned exercise designed to help our hometown heroes best prepare for real-world emergencies and disasters.”
Pennsylvania is scheduled to host Vigilant Guard through May 18. More information is available at www.pa.ng.mil
Media contact: Capt. Jay Ostrich, 717-948-2311, 717-649-6547