National Guard To Make Noise, Not War

Coming soon to Deer Park: “Giant Voice” and “explosion-like noises.”

They’re parts of a Washington Air National Guard exercise at Deer Park Airport being held today through Aug. 6.

A bigger military exercise will unfold Aug. 17-29 in the Colville National Forest west of Cusick.

Giant Voice is the name of a loudspeaker system the Guard uses to relay messages to soldiers. Residents who live near the airport may hear it.

The sound of simulated explosions will be produced by a “ground-burst simulator,” said Sgt. Sue Conrad, Guard spokeswoman.

About 75 members of the 242nd Combat Communications Squadron of the 141st Air Refueling Wing will conduct the exercise. It won’t involve any aircraft, although residents might see colored smoke and hear sirens, Conrad said.

The Guard squadron specializes in providing combat communications and will test its skills.

The Cusick-area exercise will involve at least 45 aircraft and 850 personnel from all branches of the service, who will practice water rescues and creep through the woods in maneuvers to simulate finding a downed pilot.

Dubbed “Woodland Cougar ‘97,” the exercise is hosted by the Air Force Survival School based at Fairchild Air Force Base.

, DataTimes