DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters hovered 1,500 feet above Lake Lanier last Friday and about 90 gung-ho Army Rangers from the 5^th Ranger Training Battalion based at Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega parachuted into the water near War Hill Park in Dawson County.

To prepare for the exercise, the parking lot was cleared and watercraft were not allowed in the vicinity of the jump. But spectators were welcome and while it was entertaining, the jump had a more important function.

In an email, Captain Nathan Jennings, 5th Ranger Training Battalion Operations Officer, “This training enhances the morale of the unit, builds proficiency in airborne operations, and develops law enforcement and emergency medical service inter-agency capabilities.

Public safety personnel from Dawson, Forsyth and Hall counties were on hand along with the Georgia Air National Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources.