Politics & Government

Anti-Terrorism Exercises Could Affect Navy Base Traffic, Services

The U.S. Navy, local law enforcement and other agencies around the county will practice scenarios based on the attack of a Navy installation during Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield on Feb. 22-25.

San Diego-based U.S. Navy installations will take part in Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield, a nationwide anti-terrorism and preparedness drill Feb. 22-25.

Navy Security Forces will work with the Coast Guard, Office of Homeland Security, FBI, Port of San Diego, Red Cross, Marine Corps, San Diego Police Department and others agencies.

Practice scenarios will be based on the attack of a Navy base or station and will be carried out mainly on naval bases and installations.

The exercise is not a response to specific threats but part of annually scheduled force protection training, said Navy spokesman Brian O'Rourke.

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"The whole reason for the exercise is to basically test all the training that my security personnel have received the last couple of years," O'Rourke said. "We're getting all this training. Great. Lets put it together and see how it works."

This may cause disruptions to normal base and station operations and an increase in traffic in the area. Local residents may see an increase in security activity associated with the exercise, Navy officials said.

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There may also be delays at Naval Medical Center San Diego on Feb. 23. All outpatient visits and elective procedures have been canceled that day. All persons and vehicles entering the Medical Center that day will be subject to search.

For a full schedule of Navy hospital, clinic and pharmacy hours during the week, visit the Medical Center's website.

Military family members who hope to avoid delay on base can visit Fleet and Family Support Center staff at the Family Assistance Center or call 866-595-7460 to ask about delays or availability of services.

Military housing and civilian housing referral services, Navy legal assistance, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and religious services will be available at the  Family Assistance Center at Murphy Canyon Chapel Wednesday and Thursday.

None of the practice scenarios are related to the U.S.-Mexico border and there are no scheduled increases in helicopter activity at the Imperial Beach Outlying Landing Field, O'Rourke said. Little disruption is expected at NAS North Island, although traffic could at times be impacted.


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