Joint Base Lewis-McChord ordnance training ongoing, expect loud noise

Residents in the South Puget Sound region, home to the expansive 90,000-acre Army and Air Force joint military installation of JBLM, may experience noise from aircraft and artillery trainings.

Starting January 5,  expect the mortar and demolitions noise until January 31 at 11:59 p.m., expect Army and Airforce training, which can include aircraft and helicopter training.

The training will occur during the daytime and nighttime hours on weekdays as well as on weekends.

Here is the map showing the area which will be used for both aircraft and artillery trainings.

Training information

The aviation training, the U.S. Air Force aircraft, utilizing McChord Field, will engage in worldwide missions and training flights across the Puget Sound and the greater Northwest region.

Additionally, U.S. Army helicopters frequent Gray Army Airfield on JBLM Main for on-base and regional training.

All aviation activities at JBLM strictly adhere to FAA regulations to ensure safety and compliance.

For artillery training, JBLM's U.S. Army units conduct regular artillery and mortar training, including occasional demolition exercises.

This training, conducted during both day and nighttime hours, involves live munitions fired into the artillery impact area on JBLM Main.

The resulting noise is often audible in nearby communities, particularly those closest to the impact area.

Aside from these trainings, JBLM's Environmental Division carries out prescribed burns at various locations around the base each summer.

These controlled burns serve multiple purposes, including reducing the risk of wildfires, enhancing training lands for service members, and supporting fire-dependent habitats.

 Residents seeking more information on prescribed burns can visit the JBLM Wildland Fire page.

Residents experiencing disruptions or wishing to report noise, low-flying aircraft, or other disturbances caused by military activities can submit a noise complaint using JBLM FORM 761.

Individuals can file a torte claim for damage to personal property suspected from training events by calling 253-477-1878 or 253-477-1877.

Residents can contact the JBLM Garrison Public Affairs hotline at 253-967-0852 for comments or immediate reports on noise or other disturbances.

To report nuisance smoke promptly, a dedicated line is available at 253-912-2049.