Christian County residents should expect more military vehicles on the road and helicopters in the sky over the next three weeks, as soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division participate in an exercise known as Operation Lethal Eagle III. The division-wide training will begin late on Monday, July 31, and continue through Thursday, Aug. 21, according to a press release from the unit.
The training, which will include air assault operations, small unit maneuvers, live fire training, artillery firing exercises and aerial gunnery, is expected to cause a higher level of noise and activity for the surrounding areas of Fort Campbell, according to the release. Activity will occur during daylight hours, which may cause temporary disruptions to road traffic. The majority of the military traffic on public roads will be on I-24 (from Fort Campbell, Exit 86 to Exit 81), I-169, Western Kentucky Parkway and I-69.
There also will be increased military helicopter flights in and around Hopkinsville, due to the use of the Hopkinsville airport.
The Palmyra Gate, 101st Airborne Gate and Lafayette Gate will be temporarily closed during the exercise.
“We’re alerting the public to reduce inconvenience in travel time and to remind motorists to use extra caution when driving near military vehicle convoys,” said Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division. “Our first priority is safety. We encourage the public to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time, especially if traveling on I-24, I-169, Western Kentucky Parkway, I-69 and through construction zones.”
