(This tale has been revised with additional details.)
Residents of the Coachella Valley experienced an unexpected aerial display on Tuesday afternoon near Palm Springs International Airport, when multiple military fighter jets flew over the region during what airport authorities described as “a routine training exercise.” The aircraft passed at steep angles, roaring over the area at least a dozen times.
The aircraft’s presence near the airport took place from 2:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Information regarding which military group carried out the flights was not immediately accessible.
Military aircraft carry out exercises in the region or refuel at the airport on occasion, but the activity on Tuesday extended far beyond the typical one or two circuits.
Jake Ingrassia, a representative from the airport, stated in an email that the incident “was part of a regular training session, and there is no reason to worry.”
“While PSP doesn’t have any military units or aircraft stationed here, federal law mandates that we permit military access to the airfield when required — we are unable to limit their activities,” Ingrassia stated, noting that the airport does not get prior notification of military flights.
The airport’s flight status webpageindicates that a commercial flight took off at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, with the majority of other flights also noted as being on schedule for the remainder of the day.
Ann Greer, a representative from the Palm Springs Air Museum, stated that the aircraft were F-35s, a model of fighter jet utilized by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
This is an ongoing situation.
This piece first was published on Palm Springs Desert Sun:Military aircraft frequently fly over Palm Springs airport as part of ‘regular exercises’
