Residents of Palm Bay, particularly those in the northwest area near an old military annex, can expect to hear small explosions and gunfire in the coming days. However, officials from Patrick Space Force Base assure that there is no cause for alarm.
This noise will emanate from a fall training exercise taking place at the U.S. Space Force Malabar Annex, involving nearly 90 cadets from Florida Tech’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. The exercises are scheduled to run through Sunday, with operations set from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
The training involves the testing of ordnances and simulated explosives. Cadets will utilize blank ammunition as part of their drills, focusing on skills such as reconnaissance, ambush tactics, and rope bridge construction. Space Launch Delta 45 has issued an advisory emphasizing that residents should remain calm during this period.
The Malabar Annex, which covers two square miles and is primarily wooded, includes a small airfield. Established shortly after World War II, it has remained largely inactive for several years, allowing local wildlife to thrive. Nevertheless, it has been used for military training, including earlier sessions this spring.
This exercise not only provides valuable training for the cadets but also showcases the ongoing use of military facilities in Florida, aligning with the area’s historical roots while ensuring that local residents remain informed and unaffected.
In a world where military readiness is crucial, it is reassuring to see institutions like the U.S. Space Force actively training and preparing the next generation of military leaders. The exercise serves as a reminder of the blend of history and progress in communities like Palm Bay.