SJAFB to participate in crisis response exercise
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 11, 2009 2:00 AM
If you hear sirens whaling from -- or see ambulances racing toward -- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base next week, don't be alarmed.
It's just a test.
Seymour Johnson and the communities outside the installation gates will be hosting a Major Accident Response Exercise Tuesday through Thursday.
That means a potential increase in noise, traffic and activity from local, state and federal law enforcement and other emergency personnel.
Goldsboro police Capt. Al King said off-base "incidents" will occur Tuesday and Thursday -- in one of the south end neighborhoods on Tuesday and on south Berkeley Boulevard two days later.
Those who might be affected by the exercise will be contacted Monday by members of the Police Department, King said, adding that the community at large should not be alarmed.
Officials from the 4th Fighter Wing expressed their thanks to the community for its understanding next week.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," a news release from the base stated. "Emergency response training is essential in readiness and force protection to ensure the safety of the community, our airmen and their families."