Craig Field Airport hosts military training exercise in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A three-day military training exercise is underway at Craig Field in Selma.

It’s an event that promotes economic and workforce development in the area — as well as military readiness.

The U.S. military is at Craig Field this week — playing war games.

Six combat-equipped Military Free Fall parachutists landed onto Craig Field Tuesday afternoon. It’s the first of a three-phase military exercise that integrates Military Free Fall — Combat Control — Pararescue — Medical — Aviation — and personnel recovery capabilities.

“The unique opportunity that we have here at Craig Field in conjunction with close coordination with our military partners and of course the airport authority, we have an opportunity for military personnel to conduct readiness exercises,” said Efthemios Vassilopanagos with Resicum International.

The training exercise replicates the aftermath of a drone attack on an embassy with mass casualties.

Military teams will need to parachute in — provide medical treatment — account for personnel — establish evacuation procedures — and move personnel to a designated collection point.

“This being a prior Air Force base with a runway that’s already established — makes it ideal for these type of training exercises,” Vassilopanagos said.

The three-day exercise will generate revenue for local hotels and restaurants.

It will also benefit the pilot training — air traffic control — and other aviation programs and industries at Craig Field.