YORKTOWN, Va. (Feb. 4, 2020) U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Ashley Phillips, from Plainfield, New Jersey, receives a brief before a small boat probe and attack drill at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Feb. 4. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2020 is a two-part, anti-terrorism force protection exercise that is being conducted nationwide on Navy installations, Feb. 3-14, 2020. The annual exercise is not in response to any specific threat, but is used to evaluate the readiness of fleet installation security programs. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant. G. Grady/Released)
Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2021, a joint exercise between commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), will be held on all Navy installations in the continental United States.
Citadel Shield is a field training exercise led by CNIC that focuses on local tactics and procedures. Solid Curtain is a command post exercise led by USFFC that focuses on supporting the naval component commander’s ability to drive an integrated response between commands and security forces across the nation.
In partnership with tenant commands and agency partners, the Navy regions and installations participating in the exercise will be honing their security skills through realistic scenarios to ensure security forces are at peak readiness to deter and respond to potential security threats.
“We stress our forces in a training environment to enhance their ability to respond during a real world event,” said Shannon Lovejoy, USFFC deputy director, Fleet Anti-Terrorism. “The real world has taught us that there is not going to be an advance warning so we are constantly training to respond at any moment.”
Navy Security forces train and operate 365 days a year. This exercise provides the entire force an opportunity for dedicated training that tests information dissemination, individual response plans, security force response, and the ability to coordinate with local emergency responders and the community.
This exercise supports the Navy’s ability to execute the Homeland Defense mission and to protect all its people, equipment and facilities in situations that pose a significant and immediate threat to their safety.
“This isn’t a one-time event, but an opportunity to challenge our forces to respond to myriad of scenarios,” said Lovejoy. “To establish the mindset now that they have to know who is going to respond and how for any number of possible events.”
Although measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases 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.
The Navy is committed to keeping the public informed about any potential impacts of the exercise to prevent undue public concern about the “scenario threat” and potential impacts to traffic and services near bases.
For more information, contact your nearest Navy installation, visit U.S. Fleet Forces Command at https://www.usff.navy.mil and Commander, Navy Installations Command at https://www.cnic.navy.mil.