US Navy conducts exercise Citadel Shield 2013

The US Navy Northwest Region installations’ personnel have conducted the annual security training exercise, Citadel Shield (CS) 2013, aimed to boost readiness to respond to threats.

Conducted navy wide by Commander, US Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Citadel Shield is the largest force protection and anti-terrorism exercise.

Navy Region Northwest chief of staff captain Scott Hogan said that the exercise is aimed to ensure effective response to the full spectrum of potential force protection challenges.

"This year’s exercise provided comprehensive scenarios that exercised our standard operating procedures, decision making and command and control," Hogan added.

Several simulated scenarios were conducted on Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Naval Station Everett (NSE), and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI).

The drills involved simulated sniper attack with a hostage situation to enable the NASWI Security Department to work closely with the Washington State Patrol Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The manoeuvres also included missions ranging from recognising and countering base surveillance operations to active simulated emergencies such as homegrown extremist attacks, mass casualty events, and waterfront attacks.

US Naval Station Everett Citadel Shield exercise watch commander master-at-arms 1st Class (AW) David Menke said, "We do drills like these to ensure that everyone on our security team is proficient in our operating procedures and to get an understanding of command readiness."

"They also help perfect our coordination between watch teams and instill confidence and experience in our watch standers, so they are ready for the real thing."

In addition to leveraging naval security force personnel training and readiness to respond to threats to installations and units, the exercise is intended to enhance implementation of security forces processes in the event of an actual emergency.