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MCAS Yuma briefs council on fall WTI training; flight phase set for late September to October
Summary
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma officials told the council the seven-week Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course will produce increased aircraft and personnel activity locally, with the flight phase scheduled 'starting 22 September to 26 October.' Officials said they coordinated with local agencies and public affairs for outreach.
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma commanders briefed the Yuma City Council on Sept. 3 about the upcoming Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) cycle and associated community impacts.
Col. Jared Stone introduced Major Sean Graham, who described WTI as a seven‑week course—roughly three weeks of academics followed by a grueling, multiweek flight phase—designed to prepare Marines to return to the fleet as subject‑matter experts. "We slide in a couple thousand marines and about a 100 birds," Graham said, and councilmembers were told to expect increased activity in town during the flight phase. "You guys will hear more activity out of the air station starting 22 September to 26 October," Graham said.
Graham outlined a CH‑53 foreign humanitarian assistance evolution that will include coordination with local police, fire, parks and school officials for logistical-site planning and cargo offload. He said the MCAS team works with local agencies to identify staging and spectator areas—examples given included Crane Middle School and Kiwanis Park—and that public affairs material had been distributed to "pertinent agencies in Yuma." He invited council members and residents to contact him directly with questions about the upcoming exercises.
Council members expressed appreciation for the station’s cooperation. Mayor Nichols thanked the base representatives and noted the economic and civic ties between MCAS Yuma and the city.
What happens next: MCAS Yuma staff will continue community outreach and coordinate details with local emergency services and parks staff; Major Graham provided contact information for follow-up questions.
