Pallone Asks for Improved Notice on Army Training

Last week's certainly did not make many area residents very happy.

The mostly unannounced training, which featured low-flying helicopters, could be heard will past midnight in numerous area towns, including Rumson, Fair Haven and Sea Bright.

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6) says he has heard the message from the public and has been communicating with the Army to ensure better communication during future training.

"It is critically important that our armed forces have ample opportunity to conduct training practices to help them continue to be the best prepared and most skilled military in the world," Pallone said in a statement. "While last week’s training effort by the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) over much of Central New Jersey was no doubt an important exercise, my office has been in contact with SOCOM to ensure better communication for future trainings to make sure that local residents are better informed and prepared for any potential disruptions.” 

Announcements were posted on some area borough Web sites and Long Branch police issued a code red alert through e-mail and phone to warn residents of loud noises associated with the training which included low-flying helicopters and simulated gunfire.

The training took place in Long Branch on June 4 and the Fort Monmouth area of Tinton Falls and Eatontown on June 5 and 6. The training typically began around 5 p.m. and did not stop until after midnight.

The New Jersey State Police said they were aware of the training and said that is common, but not for this area.