ALPENA — The Silent Swarm 25 exercise began Monday at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) and will continue through July 25.

A press release from the CRTC states that Silent Swarm 25 is an military exercise event that encompasses an area that includes the Alpena CRTC, Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Island, Middle Island, and Rockport.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) — based in Crane, Indiana — is the lead agency for Silent Swarm 25, the release states. The exercise includes experimentation with technologies that can be employed on small, unmanned systems.

The results from these experiments will improve the skillsets of military personnel in regards to these technologies.

In addition to the experimentation, military and civilian personnel will be working with communication and radar equipment, according to the release. The CRTC ensures that military radio frequencies from this equipment will not interfere with other frequencies or electronic communications in the area.

During this event, mariners can expect many small, unmanned surface, sub-surface, and air vehicles in operation, according to the press release. Silent Swarm 25 personnel will monitor these unmanned platforms. The CRTC recommends that community members should not attempt to approach or interact with Silent Swarm technologies and systems.

Jeff Gray, superintendent of NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, said that Silent Swarm helps safeguard the Great Lakes while also creating learning opportunities for students, as well as contributing to the local economy.

“Silent Swarm, at its core, is about national defense but it also delivers three other powerful impacts: economic development, Great Lakes research and protection, and education,” Gray said. “For two weeks, more than 500 scientists, engineers, and innovators descend on Northeast Michigan, bringing with them cutting-edge technology, critical research, and a major economic boost.”

Gray stated that this is the fourth year that Silent Swarm has been in Alpena.

“The participants keep coming back, not just for the mission, but because they’ve truly fallen in love with this community,” Gray said. “They’ve discovered that Northeast Michigan isn’t just a great place to work, it’s a welcoming and vibrant place.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.