What's With the Booms Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord?

Several Patch users have asked about loud booms coming from Joint Base Lewis-McChord over the past few days.

It turns out, the base is conducting late night firing exercises through Friday night.

Soldiers are firing the M777 Howitzer, Demolitions and C-4, to maintain their proficiency with the weapon.

One reader, who lives near the Gig Harbor Safeway, said the noises shook his house until 12:30 a.m. 

"The weather doesn't help either," he wrote. "When it is clear I don't feel it as bad."

Increased levels of activity will take place during the evening hours, and firing will be conducted from more than one range on base, JBLM officials say.

"This is normally scheduled and required training, which allows military members to practice and improve skills required during combat," the public affairs office writes. "As often as possible, JBLM conducts larger scale demolition training and artillery firing at JBLM Yakima Training Center in an effort to minimize inconvenience for the surrounding communities. However, some training must take place on base."

We hope that clears up any confusion. Queries or comments about noise may be directed to the JBLM Public Affairs Office’s External Communication Division hot line at 253-967-0852, daily.

Still, if you hear any boom-booms, feel free to let us know about it too.