Residents of Palm Bay, particularly those in the northwest area near an old military annex, should be prepared for a few days of unusual noise, including small explosions and gunfire. This sound is part of a structured fall training exercise being conducted at Patrick Space Force Base, which will continue through Sunday. The exercise involves nearly 90 cadets from Florida Tech’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Officials from Space Launch Delta 45 have reassured the community that there is no cause for alarm. The training will take place at the U.S. Space Force Malabar Annex, a two-square-mile area primarily covered in woods and enclosed near Minton Road. This facility, which includes a small airfield, will host exercises involving the testing of ordnance and simulated explosives. The cadets will be practicing skills such as reconnaissance, ambush tactics, and rope bridge construction, using blank ammunition throughout the training period.
Expected noise disturbances will likely reach the neighborhoods along Lynbrook Street and Minton Road, with training operations scheduled from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The Malabar Annex, built shortly after World War II and well before Palm Bay became an official city, has been largely inactive in recent years, allowing local wildlife to thrive. Nevertheless, it has served as a training ground, including sessions earlier in the spring.
In this way, the training exercises not only prepare cadets for their military responsibilities but also highlight the ongoing relationship between the military and local communities. Though the sounds may initially be startling, they are a reminder of the important work being done to support our nation’s defense efforts.
This event shows the commitment of local and military authorities to ensure community safety while also providing necessary training for cadets, ultimately strengthening both military readiness and community relationships.