David Y. Ige

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The 25th Infantry Division will conduct Lightning Forge 19, a large-scale training exercise, May 28 to June 7, on Oahu. Lightning Forge is the 25th Infantry Division’s largest home-station training event that builds combat readiness in America’s Pacific Division.

The 25th Infantry Division’s 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team along with elements of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Division Artillery, and 25th Division Sustainment Brigade will conduct Lightning Forge 19 to train on the critical skills the Army requires to meet the needs of the nation when called upon.

Training will include use of blank ammunition and explosive simulators during daytime and nighttime hours in the following Army training areas: Dillingham Army Airfield, Kahuku Training Area, and Schofield Barracks East Range.
Intermittent military vehicle convoys will routinely travel between training areas. Exact times and routes will vary based on the training scenario. Convoy times will be scheduled during non-peak daytime hours or at night, to the greatest extent possible, to minimize unnecessary traffic issues.

The State of Hawaii considers convoys as military movements that consist of more than six military vehicles. Military vehicles traveling together as five or less will be on the roads at various times throughout the day and night.

There will be increased military traffic during the exercise on Kamehameha Highway and Kunia Road. Farrington Highway (on the North Shore) and Kaukonahua Road will also see increased traffic, though to a lesser extent than previous years.

Residents can also expect an increase in helicopter and unmanned aircraft systems flights. Dillingham Army Airfield may see an increase in rotary wing aircraft during portions of the training, but the overall volume of rotary wing aircraft traffic using Dillingham will be less than in previous exercises. Also, UAS will fly from Wheeler Army Airfield and transition to the skies over the Kahuku Training Area for the duration of the exercise.

Although the bulk of Lightning Forge will begin May 28, units will also be using Mokuleia Army Beach, across from Dillingham Air Field, for water purification training May 21-24 and May 28-June7. This training will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
It is important to note that weather, such as overcast conditions, can increase noise and vibrations. Should individuals hear noise, there is no immediate danger.

The 25th Infantry Division appreciates the community’s understanding and continued support for local military training. While sometimes loud, the sounds of training represent how the military ensures the nation’s service members are ready to accomplish the mission and return home safely.

To report concerns related to noise or training, community members should call the 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office at (808) 655-6350 or email [email protected]. The 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office responds to all reported concerns during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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