LAKEHURST — Residents near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst should expect several days of louder-than-usual military activity in February as the installation conducts scheduled training that officials say reflects the ongoing readiness of the nation’s armed forces — often described locally as the “sounds of freedom.”
According to the base’s February noise calendar, high-noise training days are expected on February 3, February 4, February 24 and February 26. Those dates carry the highest likelihood of significant noise tied to advanced training operations.
Base officials said high-noise days may include activities involving heavy crew-served weapons, cratering munitions, or other large-scale exercises. Noise levels can vary depending on weather conditions, including cloud cover, which can amplify or carry sound over longer distances.
In addition to the high-noise dates, much of the month includes moderate-noise days associated with rotary-wing aircraft and aerial gunnery training, as well as lower-noise periods involving small arms and light crew weapons.
Military officials routinely emphasize that while the training can be disruptive, it plays a critical role in maintaining preparedness and national defense capabilities.
Noise schedules are subject to change based on operational needs and weather conditions. Residents with questions or concerns about training noise can contact Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s public information line at 609-754-2575.
