Pops, bangs, aircraft & Marines, but it’s no invasion. Here’s what’s really happening
Some Midlands residents might hear excessive noise — including pops and bangs — caused by aircraft and members of the U.S. Marine Corps this week.
But it’s no invasion, it’s a training exercise being conducted in Sumter County, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The training will be centered at Camp Burnt Gin in the Wedgefield area, DHEC said Tuesday in a news release. It’s about 10 miles south of Shaw Air Force Base.
U.S. Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in the training, according to the release.
Those who live near Camp Burnt Gin, Manchester State Forest and Poinsett Bombing Range can expect noise common to rotary-wing aircraft during, as well as occasional pops and bangs, Tuesday night, DHEC said.
Residents are asked to refrain from using flash photography because of the possibility it could cause a “white-out” of pilots’ night vision goggles, according to the release.
The training is expected to end at midnight, DHEC said.
Normally, Camp Burnt Gin is an overnight summer camp for children, teens, and young adults with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses, according to the release. The camp is operated by DHEC and is a program within the Division of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.
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