INCREASED MILITARY ACTIVITY – AYRSHIRE Ayrshire is set to see an increase in military activity over the next 10 days as Exercise Saxon Warrior 17 gets underway today.
Exercise SAXON WARRIOR 17 (SW17) takes place between 1st and 10th August and is delivered by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) based at Faslane. The exercise involves warships, submarines and aircraft from five nations with the maritime and air activity focussed in the airspace, offshore and coastal waters of the whole coast of Scotland. It is highly likely Prestwick Airport will once again play a significant role throughout the duration of this exercise with a notable increase in military aircraft coming to and from the Ayrshire airport. The USS George HW Bush, a 97,000-tonne Nimitz class aircraft carrier is also taking part in this exercise and will be operating in the waters around Scotland. The aircraft carrier has no less than 46 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets on board along with a number of additional fixed wing and rotary aircraft on board. In light of ever changing threats, military ships maintain a detailed plot of maritime activity in their vicinity including establishing the identity of small fishing vessels which can be achieved visually from helicopters or by challenges on VHF radio by ships. Mariners are advised warships from various Allied Nations will be conducting such reconnaissance and challenges. Mariners are also requested to remain clear of the aircraft carrier during periods of when it is launching and recovering aircraft. The vessel will display Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre shapes and/or lights during these operations. If you are planning on heading to the coast throughout the exercise to view the ships, please always take extra care and don’t put yourself at risk to get a photograph. #999Coastguard Search and Rescue – it’s what we do. In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.