Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field will host a two-week U.S. Air Force exercise.
On Saturday, March 20th, a C-17 Globemaster aircraft will arrive at the airport to provide ground support equipment for troops and then depart.
On Sunday, March 21st, two U-28A Pilatus and four Boeing V-22 Osprey aircraft from Hurlburt Field in Valparaiso, FL will arrive and remain at the Yakima Airport to conduct the training mission in support of the Yakima Training Center.
These aircraft will operate daily beginning in the early afternoon. They will arrive and depart the Yakima Airport throughout the day. It is anticipated their daily missions will cease operations around midnight.
Flight crews have been advised to avoid noise-sensitive areas such as neighborhoods in the Yakima Valley. However, there may be times when aircraft separation requires these aircraft to operate over neighboring communities that surround the Yakima Airport.
“We truly appreciate the community’s understanding during this short duration of increased aircraft presence at the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field,” said Airport Director Rob Peterson. “We also appreciate the military’s visit as they continue to conduct exercises to ensure they keep our nation safe and secure.”
The exercise will not impact regular, day-to-day flight operations at the airport, Peterson said.
Approximately 40 to 50 ground support personnel, pilots and mechanics are scheduled to assist with this training operation.
The exercise will conclude around Saturday, April 3rd. All aircraft and ground support personnel are scheduled to depart on or before this date. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft is expected to return Friday, April 2nd, to collect the troops.
Those interested in viewing the military aircraft are asked to remain behind the airport’s security fence to ensure safety for themselves and flight crews.
Call 575-6149 or visit https://flyykm.com for more about Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.