Army trains at Getty's Cove

VANTAGE - If you see people dressed in "moon suits" at Getty's Cove between now and Wednesday, don't worry.

It is only the U.S. Army training to practice their skills as part of the  Defense Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High-Yield Explosive Response Force.

"These units, primarily from Fort Hood, Texas, are going through rigorous and realistic training to enhance their interoperability with local, state and federal partners and to provide the necessary skills and equipment should they be needed in response to a large-scale natural or man-made disaster," stated Don Manuszewski, the Army's chief of public information.

The training takes place on Grant PUD land.  

It appears there is only visibility to the public from Huntzinger Road, on the Kittitas County side of the Columbia River, said Sarah Morford, a Grant PUD spokesperson.

A good portion of the training takes place inside.

On Sunday, a 10-hour training event involved about 20 soldiers, nine civilians and contractors and representatives from the state Department of Health, also took place at Getty's Cove.

There is a similar unit in Washington state that is one of 10 homeland response forces, explained Manuszewski.

If there is a chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological incident, they would respond and help restore the place to normal, he said.