(AP) -- The South Carolina Air National Guard plans to conduct an air defense exercise in the skies above Florence.

Guard spokesman Maj. Jim Roth says Wednesday's scheduled exercise includes F-16 fighter jets and a single-engine aircraft.

The fighter jets are practicing an intercept and escort of the single-engine aircraft.

Roth says the early evening exercise is a routine practice and that it should not alarm residents. He says such exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled.

Roth says the exercises allow the South Carolina Air National Guard to keep alert and respond to airborne threats over the United States.

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