The State - News from Aug. 4, 1988

Military units were in action across the West as Gallant Eagle ’88 maneuvers, designed to train and test the multiservice capabilities of the U.S. Central Command, began in earnest. The maneuvers involve Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard units and 28,000 service personnel from numerous bases operating under a scenario linking the scattered activities, Air Force Lt. Col. John Head said. The main ground battle is being staged deep in the Mojave Desert at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. Opposing forces made up of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and a brigade-size task force of the Army 7th Infantry Division from Ft. Ord began the maneuvers with each side trying to size up the other, Marine Lt. Col. Mike Moran said. A series of attacks and counterattacks between the Marines and 7th Infantry is expected to follow.