U.S. Special Operations Command to host public exercise at Tampa Convention Center May 17 & 18

By: USSOCOM Public Affairs Office - 5/13/2022

U.S. Special Operations Command will host a capabilities demonstration May 17 and 18 at from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. The rehearsal is May 17 with the main event for the local community the following day.

 

More than 175 SOCOM and international service members from 11 nations will participate. They will employ special operations helicopters, boats, all-terrain vehicles, scuba divers and ground forces to "rescue" a city official from "hostile" forces.

 

Spectators may view the demonstration from the roads around the Tampa Convention Center. The local community will hear simulated explosions, simulated gunfire and see low-flying aircraft.

 

The city of Tampa will present a public proclamation for media to view Wednesday prior to the demonstration. Military event organizers and participants will also be available for media interviews before and after the event.

 

Traffic will be interrupted from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. South Franklin Street will be blocked at the intersection of Water Street. The blockage extends to South Harbour Island Boulevard to the Westin Hotel parking garage. Patrons at the hotel or local restaurants may still exit from the parking garage south on South Harbour Island Boulevard.

 

Additionally, the four water entrances to the Seddon Channel will be blocked from noon to 2:30 p.m. both days to allow access to the exercise by fast boats and scuba divers participating in the demonstration.

 

Parking at the TCC is extremely limited. Television stations interested in parking at the TCC may contact SOCOM Public Affairs at 813-826-8800, or SOCO_EXECS@socom.mil. Media are asked to RSVP by noon May 17.

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