Despite Friday's sunny skies and gentle warm winds, people out for an afternoon stroll along Easton’s Beach might have found themselves in a scene that more closely resembled the movie "Platoon." 

In a helocasting exercise, Army National Guard Special Forces landed two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at Dunlap - Wheeler Park next to the Atlantic Beach Club. They also did several water jumps off the coast. Twelve personnel from the unit made both daytime and nighttime drops, picking up individuals and equipment

The Middletown Fire Department was there to ensure curious observers were not hurt or interfering with the operation, said Fire Chief Ron Doire.  Town officials said for future exercises, it would be helpful to have a police detail to push along traffic, since inquisitive drivers backed up traffic all down Memorial Blvd.  

Enjoy these black and white photos of the exercise in the gallery above. If you have your own, add them to the group.