Marines hold training exercises at GTP this week

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Jered T. Stone/Released

There was a reason areas around the Global TransPark weren't as accessible this week.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejuene held military exercises Thursday in preparation for future excursions. U.S. Marine 1st Lieutenant Zackary Buckon said the group will later travel around the world, providing assistance to any countries needing it.

"This is the final certification exercise before deployment for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit," Buckon said. "We do training all over North Carolina and try to work it in a more realistic environment, so instead of just doing it on base we've got places we can work without upsetting much of the atmosphere."

Most of the training took place after 9:30 p.m., with military vehicles and helicopters coming into the area as Marines simulated missions which could take place anywhere across the world.

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Pfc. Jered T. Stone

Buckon said the practices have occurred since 1985 with the Unit, and several roads across the GTP were blocked off by law enforcement, along with construction signs flashing "Military Training In Progress" from mid-afternoon throughout the night.

"We work with the local law enforcement to ensure safety throughout the exercise," Buckon said. "Some people may see the military vehicles and aircraft, or hear the blanks being shot during training, but for the most part we worked on not being a distraction throughout." 

Buckon said the primary goal is to ensure there's a strong, fast presence when the exercise becomes a reality.

"The guys will be shipped worldwide and whenever there's engagement, they'll be ready to respond," Buckon said. "Turning around a quick response is what it's all about."