Residents of Palm Bay, particularly those living in the northwest area near an old military annex, should brace themselves for some loud noises over the next few days. The sounds of small explosions and gunfire will be part of a training exercise conducted by the Patrick Space Force Base, running from Wednesday through Sunday.
Officials assured residents not to be alarmed by the noise, emphasizing that the activity involves nearly 90 cadets from Florida Tech’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. The exercises will take place at the U.S. Space Force Malabar Annex, a two-square-mile area that includes a small airfield. This site has historically been used for training and is now set to host various drills, including the use of blank ammunition for activities such as reconnaissance, ambush strategies, and constructing rope bridges.
Residents in neighborhoods along Lynbrook Street and Minton Road can expect to hear the commotion between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. The Malabar Annex has primarily been inactive for several years, allowing wildlife to reclaim much of the space. However, it has seen some training sessions recently, including one earlier this spring.
In summary, while the sounds of explosions and gunfire may be concerning, they are part of essential training exercises intended to prepare cadets for real-world scenarios. The community is encouraged to approach this noise with understanding, recognizing the importance of such training for national security. As military readiness remains a priority, exercises like these help ensure that cadets are well-prepared for their future roles.