If you’ve driven in parts of central Kansas over the past 24 hours you may have have wondered what was happening.

It’s called Operation Jaded Thunder, and it is an exercise being carried out by the 1/5 A Battery out of Fort Riley.  Residents in Central Kansas will likely see more military aircraft and hear more artillery fire day and night until the 19th.  The heavy artillery fire comes from 4, M019A6 Artillery guns called Paladin Guns.

USMC Major Aaron Doty is in charge of the operation and wanted to thank the citizens of Salina for the local support.  ”This type of training is critical for combat forces and special operations.  The ability to train at night insures the ability to streamline the techniques used in night operations.