By
- Jackie Smith | jsmith@mlive.com
Ann Arbor-area residents may have spotted a formation of military aircraft fly over the region as they prepare to participate in Northern Strike 26-2 events in the coming days
In a message on Friday, July 31, Maj. Trevor B. Kay, a spokesperson for the Michigan National Guard, confirmed the flyover, though the type of airframes or unit flying them was not disclosed for security reasons
No other rotary-wing activity was anticipated over Ann Arbor through the weekend, he said
Northern Strike is set to kick off in Michigan Monday, Aug. 3. One of the U.S. Department of War’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, it ends Aug. 14
Motorists are advised of increased military traffic on Michigan roadways starting Saturday, Aug. 1, through Aug. 15, as personnel and equipment move to and from Camp Grayling
According to the state, Northern Strike brings together more than 9,000 military personnel from 26 states and territories, as well as five international participants for realistic training across the Michigan National Guard’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center
That training reportedly includes command and control, combined arms live-fire exercises, cyberspace and electromagnetic activities, defense cyberspace operations and other logistics that are part of military readiness in large-scale combat operations
This year’s exercise will be supported by more than 28 fixed-wing aircraft conducting force protection, aerial refueling and operational support missions. Medical personnel will also exercise preparing simulated casualties for evacuations while delivering critical care
Maritime training on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan is slated to include protection of high-value assets, target acquisition, and unmanned surface vehicles
Northern Strike began as a regional training event in 2012, according to the state, growing into a multinational exercise supporting the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, National Guard, Reserve and other agency partners
It also reportedly provides an economic benefit to the state, generating an average of $44 million annually through military pay, travel, and local spending across Northern Michigan
Sam Dodge contributed to this report
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