Exercise coming to GC bases

WASHINGTON - Navy installations within the United States will soon be conducting its annual two-part anti-terrorism force protection exercise called Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain between Jan. 29 and Feb. 9. Citadel Shield is a Field Training Exercise led by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) from Jan. 29 - Feb. 4. Solid Curtain is a Command Post Exercise portion co-led by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and CNIC from Feb. 5-9. This annual exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy Security Forces, ensure interoperability among commands, other military services, and agency partners. They are regularly-scheduled exercises and not in response to any specific threat. CS-SC is vital to the Navy’s ability to execute its mission in support of homeland defense, and to protect people, equipment, and facilities in situations that pose significant and eminent threat. (Source: Navy Installations Command 01/18/18) Gulf Coast Note: Navy bases across the Gulf Coast have participated in this annual exercise, including Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss., Pensacola, and Whiting Field, Fla., and New Orleans; Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss.; and Naval Support Activity Panama City, Fla. Measures will be taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders to minimize any inconveniences.