Don’t Be Alarmed if You See Extra Military Vehicles and Helicopters in Central New York

Don't be alarmed if you notice several helicopters in the sky over the next week. It's just a training exercise from Fort Drum.

The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade will be conducting night time aviation maneuvers in Essex, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, Franklin and Clinton counties as park of Falcon's Peak, a week long exercise. Traffic delays are expected on U.S. Route 11 and NYS Route 3 near Fort Drum through April 18.

You may see heavy military vehicle traffic at various times during the training period and have longer than usual delays at stop signs and traffic lights.

If you're in Gouverneur, Degrasse, Saranac Lake and Cranberry Lake areas, in addition to Carthage and Lowville, you'll likely hear and see additional helicopter traffic during the exercise. At times some of the aircraft could be flying at very low altitudes.

Residents in the Tupper Lake area may see Soldiers directing simulation systems at the aircraft as part of the exercise. Local police are aware of the training, and representatives will be on site during that time.

Senator Joe Griffo was on hand for the kick off of Falcon's Peak, taking a helicopter ride to learn more about the exercise. "It was a fascinating experience to see what our troops go through."

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