Bomb Training: Practice makes perfect and it also makes noise

The U.S. Forest Service says the Navy will be conducting bomb training on Thursday, March 21.

By Denise Vickers March 20, 2024 6:11 am

Warning sign at Ocala National Forest U.S. Navy bombing range entrance — ContributedU.S. Forest ServiceThe U.S. Forest Service has a posted safety perimeter in the Ocala National Forest alerting visitors of potential bombing exercises.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA (352today.com) – The old saying goes, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” While a lot of damage can be done with an explosive that gets close to its intended target, the Navy wants to do better than that. That’s why they train.

The U.S. Forest Service says the U.S. Navy has bombing exercises scheduled this week at the Pinecastle Range Complex, located on the Ocala National Forest.

Forestry officials say the training will take place Thursday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. While the Navy conducts training with both live and inert bombs, Thursday’s exercises will be with inert bombs according to a Facebook post from the Forest Service.

The Forest Service says wildlife may be temporarily displaced during bombing periods. The agency urges residents to use caution when driving through the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas.

The post thanks residents for understanding and supporting the military training missions. That said, if you have complaints about the noise, you’re asked to send an email to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville at nasjax.noisecomplaints@us.navy.mil or call 800-874-5059.