OGDEN, Utah, May 30, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Police are asking the public to avoid two city parks in Ogden designated for military parachute training Thursday and Tuesday.
Under the headline “SCHEDULED MILITARY PARACHUTE TRAINING EXERCISE NOTIFICATION” posted online Wednesday by the Ogden City Police Department, residents were notified that on Thursday, May 30, and Tuesday, June 4, a military parachute training exercise will occur at both Big-Dee Park and Mount Ogden Park.
“Crews from the training organization will be on the ground to secure the area for safety, and the exercise will conclude by 2 p.m. each day,” the OCPD statement said.
“This training has occurred in the past without incident. The public is asked to avoid these two parks during this time period.
“Thank you for your care and consideration in supporting our military during this training exercise.”
A document posted online outlining the scope and nature of the military exercise was transmitted for review to the Ogden City Council on May 17.
The document reveals the military will be “conducting jump operations as part of an urban environment military training” and the “administration recommends that the City Council be informed if inquiries are received from the public.”
The Ogden City Council work session document also provided the following insights:
“The Arts, Culture, and Events Division has submitted an information item apprising the council of a special event permit issued for a military training exercise that will take place on May 29th, May 30th, June 3rd, and June 4th. The event will take place at Big-Dee Sports Park, Mount Ogden Park, and Ogden Airport, all during daylight hours,” the document said.
It also provided background information on Velocity Training LLC, the company helping the Department of Defense organize the training exercise.
“Velocity Training LLC is a parachute training organization, approved by the Department of Defense, that specializes in military training. Velocity will be conducting jump operations as part of an urban environment military training that will take place at the Big-Dee Sports Park, Mount Ogden Park, and the Ogden Airport,” the document revealed.
“Velocity has conducted jump operations in urban environments for the last 8 years with never a single complaint or notification. Aircraft will be above 12,000 MSL (mean sea level) so barely visible to civilians in the area.”
The document also informed Ogden City Council members “military personnel in training will parachute from an aircraft dressed in PPE (Personnel Protective Equipment) to practice landing in tight drop zones.
“No tactics that involve weapons, gun fire or explosions will be used. There will be no ground exercises.”
