FLINT, MI -- At ease, Flint.

Those hovering military helicopters and explosions that came with special U.S. Army training around the city this month are over.

"The U.S. Army concluded its training in areas of southeastern Michigan, Wednesday, June 10, 2015," a statement from the Army says. "The purpose of the routine training was to ensure the U.S. Army's ability to operate in urban environments for upcoming overseas deployments.

"The U.S. Army must be able to operate in every possible environment and sustain proficiency on every piece of equipment it may be required to use in combat. This training is directed at ensuring we are prepared 24 hours a day to support our nation and its mission."

Flint was one of multiple locations for the training, which came as a surprise to city residents, who were not warned about the exercises, including loud explosions, before they started.

City spokesman Jason Lorenz later apologized for the communication breakdown.

Diane Merrill told the Flint City Council Monday, June 8, that she and her Flint neighbors deserved better.

"I am for military training, and I am for communication," Merill said. "Why couldn't we have been told?"

Similar training in downtown Port Huron this week caused damage to the historic Sperry's building there.

The Army statement says "local terrain and facilities in southeastern Michigan provided the U.S. Army unique locations and a variety of environments to train soldiers.

"Each location enabled soldiers to test their equipment to maintain maximum readiness and proficiency, and to exercise standard safety procedures. The U.S. Army is sensitive to the impact of the training to the local citizens and wants to extend its gratitude to the cities and towns involved," the statement says.