Free Republic

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents rescued 17 illegal aliens after they crossed into the Barry M. Goldwater Bombing Range east of San Luis and became lost Monday night. At approximately 10:10 p.m., emergency services in Mexico relayed a phone call to the Yuma Sector Operations Center from a group lost in the desert. The caller reported that the group was comprised of eight adults and nine juveniles. Yuma Station agents deployed to the area in search of the 17 lost individuals. At 11:30 p.m., agents located the illegal aliens approximately 30 miles east of San Luis within the bombing range...

Islanders declare victory over US bombers Navy's pull-out after 60 years in Vieques triggers fireworks and attacks on military vehicles Duncan Campbell in Los AngelesFriday May 2, 2003The Guardian The long and often bitter campaign to end the US navy's bombing exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques culminated in victory for the islanders yesterday, who celebrated the military pull-out with fireworks displays and parties. The former bombing range will be turned into a wildlife reserve. The handover to the US department of the interior was also marked by protests in which the American flag was burned and US...

Navy secures 20-year lease for bombing at Pinecastle By Stephanie Erickson Sentinel Staff Writer April 9, 2002 OCALA NATIONAL FOREST -- Residents who live in the remote communities that ring the Pinecastle Electronic Warfare Range will hear jets roar overhead and bombs explode on the ground for at least another two decades. The U.S. Forest Service this week renewed a 20-year lease allowing the U.S. Navy to train its pilots at the bombing range near Astor. Preparing bombers during wartime takes precedence over environmental concerns and the ears of annoyed residents, federal officials said. "The world remains a dangerous place,"...

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico (NNS) -- Ships and aircraft of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Battle Group commenced use of the Vieques Island inner range in conjunction with their Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). The exercise, which began April 1, will also utilize the Northern and Southern Puerto Rican Operating Areas and will involve complex battle group training events, naval surface fire support training and air-to-ground bombing. COMPTUEX is an intermediate level battle group exercise designed to forge the Battle Group into a cohesive, fighting team. Conducted by the commander of Carrier Group 4, Rear Adm. Lindell Rutherford, it...