Residents in south Riverside, Moreno Valley, and surrounding areas have been witnessing an unusual increase in combat jet aircraft activity overhead, part of a temporary exercise at March Air Reserve Base involving U.S. and foreign air forces. The base confirmed through a Facebook notice on January 26 that it is hosting a readiness exercise, advising the public to expect elevated levels of aircraft noise.
The intensified combat jet traffic, featuring formations of fighters taking off multiple times a day, is part of a collaborative effort between American, British, and Canadian forces. Riverside City Councilman Chuck Conder, a retired USAF officer, noted that the exercise includes participation from units based at Nellis Air Force Base, known for the Red Flag air combat training program.
This initiative aims to enhance interoperability among the forces, covering various operational aspects beyond flying, such as logistics and finance, preparing them for potential global deployments. The exercise, which started last Saturday and is expected to conclude on February 5, has not led to complaints regarding noise but has raised questions about nighttime “droning” sounds, attributed to C-130s involved in logistical operations.