Nebraska Army National Guard Paratroopers “Attacking” Chimney Rock in Training Exercise

Lincoln, NE - 08/12/2025 - Nebraska’s iconic Chimney Rock is the location for a Nebraska Army National Guard Training exercise this Friday, Aug. 15.

Soldiers from the 2-134th Infantry Regiment - Airborne will descend from two Blackhawk helicopters onto a designated drop zone on land owned by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation between Chimney Rock and the Ethel S. and Christopher J. Abbott Museum and Visitors Center. Paratroopers will complete their jumps, landing in a 650-yard by 300-yard area just south of the wondrous landmark that pioneers marveled at on their 19th-century trek west.

Coinciding with National Airborne Day, honoring the history and achievements of U.S. airborne forces, the two-hour training exercise, dubbed Operation Chimney Rock, begins at 8 a.m., weather permitting. Visitors are invited to witness the historic event. Upon arrival at the museum and visitor center parking lot, they will be greeted by Nebraska Army National Guard military vehicles, equipment, and informational displays.

“We’re honored to be of service to the Nebraska Army National Guard,” said Chimney Rock State Historical Site Manager Loren Pospisil. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to participate in this history-in-the-making event, and we’re hoping for safe weather conditions for troops and visitors.”

The exercise is weather-dependent and could be cancelled as late as Friday morning if conditions are unsafe for the paratrooper’s 1,500-foot jump.