Salina, Kan., (February 23, 2011) – Pardon our noise it’s the sound of freedom!

Once again the sky of Salina may be a little louder than usual as our neighbors to the north with six CF-18 Hornets and two CH-146 Griffon helicopters from Canadian Air.

Force 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron take advantage of the training and basing opportunities at the Salina Airport Authority and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, through March 23.

The “Nighthawks” are supporting the Canadian Army during forward air controller training.  The Army FACs will be training to serve as the eyes on the ground for the Air Force pilots.  Through a number of methods, FACs communicate with the inbound pilots, guiding them to destroy enemy targets and minimize collateral damage.

Upon completion of their training, Canadian soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan.  The Salina Airport Authority is proud to aid the fighting men and women of Canada as they prepare for combat deployments in support of U.S. and Allied Forces.

The airport’s close proximity to the range is key for this type of training.  Military units get “more bang for their buck,” pun intended.  The less time pilots spend in the air getting to the training venue, the more time and fuel, they can spend over it training the guys on the ground and sharpening their own skills as well.

Salina residents shouldn’t need worry about any loud bangs though; out on the Smoky Hill Weapons range they will be destroying mock enemies with practice ordinance.  Although “midnight is their noon,” they will normally be done by 9 p.m.

Post by Melissa McCoy