Firefighters and security forces members transport a victim during a simulated aircraft crash scenario exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2022. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)

Ramstein Air Base is expecting increased noise and traffic delays from Monday through Friday next week, due to exercise Operation Varsity, the 86th Airlift Wing said in a statement Tuesday.

The exercise is held quarterly and is designed to test the base’s readiness and emergency response capabilities, according to officials.

Launched in 2018, Operation Varsity is part of a series of exercises aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of base personnel.

These exercises cover a range of scenarios, including logistics and cargo movements, contingency planning, aircraft incidents and emergency responses.

Traffic disruptions are anticipated at all gates of Ramstein Air Base, Vogelweh/Pulaski Military Complex and Einsiedlerhof. Additionally, the community may experience loudspeaker announcements, sirens and other significant noises throughout the duration of the exercise, officials said.

Officials clarified that the exercise, which has been months in planning, is not a response to the Ukraine crisis or related to ongoing NATO operations in Eastern Europe. Instead, it focuses on ensuring the installation’s preparedness for emergency management scenarios.