By the Salina Journal

Salinans might hear more noise that usual the next couple of weeks from aircraft, as military units from Canada's Air Force and Army return to take advantage of the training opportunities at the Salina Airport Authority and the Smoky Hill Weapons Range through Nov. 25.

The 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron, along with the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Support Squadron, are set to bring with them six CF-18 Hornets and two CH-146 Griffons. The bulk of the troops are scheduled to arrive Monday.

Capt. Taylor Evans, Hornet pilot and officer in charge, said the Canadian Army is performing forward air controller training.

"These are brand new FACs going through their initial training," he said. "Once they complete their training, they are going to Afghanistan. Our mission is to deploy here to train the FACs."

The Army FACs will train to serve as the eyes on the ground for the Air Force pilots. Through a number of methods, FACs communicate with the inbound pilots, guiding them to destroy enemy targets and minimize collateral damage.

Salina residents shouldn't worry about loud bangs; out on the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, they will destroy mock enemies with practice ordnance and will normally conclude their training by 9 p.m.

The units plan to return to Salina three times a year.

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