MacDill’s Special Operations Hosts Mock Attack on Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ It’s going to sound like downtown Tampa is under attack. But don’t worry, it’s just a drill.

A combined Special Operations force from MacDill Air Force plans to demonstrate its combat capabilities outside the Tampa Convention Center starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday. And organizers say it’s going to get loud.

The show of force also includes special operations teams from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Norway, Poland, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.

The drill will be a hostage-rescue scenario and include a CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft demonstration and a variety of other advanced military technology.

The public is encouraged to watch from behind a perimeter set up by police.

The drill comes less than 100 days before 50,000 visitors come to Tampa for the Republican National Convention.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be the keynote speaker tonight at the events gala dinner at the Tampa Convention Center.