Get there early if you want to watch the Marines storm Burke Lakefront Airport(Cleveland-June 16/17)

http://www.cleveland.com/marine-week/index.ssf/2012/06/get_there_early_if_you_want_to.html ^

[Las Vegas Dave]

The Marines will storm Burke Lakefront Airport June 16 and 17, using some of the military's newest tactics and equipment.

You'll get to watch, but get there early.

Cleveland officials and Marines estimate 40,000 people will attend each of two simulated amphibious assaults at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the airport. The demonstrations are among the high points of Marine Week, in which an estimated 120,000 people will visit a variety of events in Greater Cleveland.

The invading Marines will come by land, water and air, and it could be difficult to see every bit of the action. That's why Jumbotrons will be spread around the airport. By arriving early, you have a greater chance of seeing lots of the action.

The simulated training assault will display the Marines' mission in national defense in an exercise that will last about an hour each day.

"It's two birds with the same stone: good training for us, and a good show for you," Marine Capt. Craig Thomas said recently.

If you are planning to go to the simulated assaults, here's what you should know: •Admission is free. •There will be no grandstand seating. •Food vendors will be located at the airport. Coolers are prohibited, as are outside food and beverages. •Some parking will be available near the airport, but officials recommend taking the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. RTA will offer extra rail service on the Waterfront Line the entire week. •The airport will be closed for only a few hours during the simulated events. It will reopen soon afterward. •North Marginal Road along Burke will be closed for much of Saturday and Sunday, as will Erieside Avenue around Cleveland Browns Stadium. •A perimeter will be set up near Burke to prevent boaters from getting too close to the action.

The RTA says riders should exit the Waterfront Line at the North Coast station on East Ninth Street and follow the crowds to the event. All-day RTA passes cost $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Additional information about RTA services can be found at riderta.com/marineweek.

Marine exhibits will be dotted along the waterfront both days. Demonstrations at Burke begin at 11 a.m. and will include performances by the Quantico Marine Band and Silent Drill Platoon.

Unlike for air shows at the airport, there will be no grandstands, as officials cited budget restraints. Spectators can bring lawn chairs, and the best locations will be grabbed on a first-come basis. Since the Marines will try to take control of the airport's terminal in the assault, those watching will be in grassy areas that run parallel to the airport runways.

To help those in attendance see the action, four Jumbotrons will be set up on the grounds. Spectators on nearby bluffs and buildings will be able to see aircraft coming in.

The Marines are billing Marine Week as "236 years of tradition in seven days."

They say it is not aimed at recruiting but is an attempt "to connect Americans with the Marine Corps on a variety of levels and to applaud the service of local Marines. It's also an opportunity for Marines to thank the communities for their unwavering support of America's men and women in uniform."

[Whenifhow]

Marines Invade Burke Lakefront Airport

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T6_-f9tk000

How the Marines invade Burke Lakefront Airport

http://www.cleveland.com/marine-week/index.ssf/2012/06/the_invasion_of_cleveland.html

The U.S. Marines are spoiling to show you a day in their office. And to do it, they’ve concocted an elaborate wargames scenario that will culminate in a scaled-down, simulated amphibious assault on Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport. You won’t see every weapon and tactic the Marine Corps can use against an enemy — but you will see an impressive bag of tricks, including a combat demonstration of one of the world’s most unusual aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey.

The scenario: Violent revolution in an imaginary country

[Las Vegas Dave]

Special thanks to WHENIFHOW for posting the youtube video links.
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Marines Invade Burke Lakefront Airport

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T6_-f9tk000

How the Marines invade Burke Lakefront Airport

http://www.cleveland.com/marine-week/index.ssf/2012/06/the_invasion_of_cleveland.html

The U.S. Marines are spoiling to show you a day in their office. And to do it, they’ve concocted an elaborate wargames scenario that will culminate in a scaled-down, simulated amphibious assault on Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport. You won’t see every weapon and tactic the Marine Corps can use against an enemy — but you will see an impressive bag of tricks, including a combat demonstration of one of the world’s most unusual aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey.

The scenario: Violent revolution in an imaginary country