Watch raw video footage of what happened on August 26th in Portland.
Army and Navy special forces troops conducting
urban-fighting exercises hang their legs out of a black helicopter
Monday above the 23-story 1000 Broadway Building in downtown Portland.
Officials said more exercises are possible tonight.
"Although the city granted the military's request to train back in April, there was no public notice of the training until Portland Police, which is helping coordinate the training, issued a press release about 20 minutes prior to the start of the exercise." - via the Oregonian
LETTER FROM MAYOR ABOUT THE EVENT
From the desk of Tom Potter.
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April 7, 2008
Captain Scott P. Moore
Commanander [sic], Naval Special Warfare Development Group
1636 Regulus Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23461
Dear Captain Moore
I am pleased to extend you an invitation to conduct Urban Military Training in our City from August 17 to 30, 2008.
In a letter from your command, dated November 14, 2007 requesting permission to conduct training, you stated that members of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and Army Special Operations Aviation Regiment would utilize buildings in the jurisdiction of the City of Portland for this training exercise. I understand that this training will include low visibility movement, military operations in urban terrain, manual and low weight explosive breaching, fast rope insertion, live fire, low power training ammunition, simmunitions, flash bang, surveillance and counter surveillance.
I have been informed that all training has been coordinated through and approved by all involved government entities, as well as the representatives/owners of each property, and that all liability for your personnel and their actions during training rests with the Navy. I have also been informed that extensive planning and coordination has already been conducted and that Sergeant Mike Lieb of the Tactical Operations Division will act as liaison for this exercise.
I welcome the opportunity to support the United States Navy as you develop the techniques and tactics necessary to protect our country. We look forward to your group having a safe and productive training exercise in our City.
Sincerely,
Tom Potter
Mayor
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