By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Annual ranger water jump set for May 9
Ranger jump pic 3
Members of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion parachute from UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters over Lake Lanier in a training exercise on May 9. - photo by Allie Dean Dawson County News

The 5th Ranger Training Battalion will conduct its annual water jump from War Hill Park into Lake Lanier on May 9. If inclement weather prevents the execution of the jump on May 9, the jump will be changed to May 10.

The water jump is an airborne operation where soldiers from the 5th Ranger Training Battalion parachute from Georgia National Guard Helicopters and land in Lake Lanier. This training enhances the morale of the unit, builds soldiers’ proficiency in airborne operations and develops law enforcement and emergency medical service inter-agency capability.

The 5th Ranger Training Battalion and local emergency services will have representatives conducting training and rehearsals from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. May 8 at War Hill Park. Community members and park visitors are asked to remove all vehicles from War Hill Park’s boat ramp and boat ramp parking lot before 9 a.m. May 8.

The boat ramp and parking lot will be closed by Dawson County Parks and Recreation in the afternoon May 8. The event may also delay boat traffic on Lake Lanier May 8-9 and possibly May 10 to ensure the safety of parachutists and boaters alike.

For more information, contact 5th Ranger Training Battalion Operations Officer, Major William Perez, at William.r.perez1.mil@mail.mil or call (706) 626-4003.