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Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2007 Tests NMCP

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070924-18
Release Date: 9/24/2007 6:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- A security exercise drill testing first responder reaction was conducted Sept. 20 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP).

The exercise was part of Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2007, a week-long security evolution being conducted on naval bases and military installations throughout the United States Sept. 14-21.

The annual event was developed to enhance the training and readiness of security personnel if a threat to an installation or unit should occur. This is the eighth year this event has taken place.

“This not only exercises our people and their reaction to these kinds of threats, but it also shows the people that are outside the gate that we can react to this,” said Capt. Scott Barkus, regional program director for physical security, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “If we do have some people in the area that have mal-intent towards the U.S. Navy, we show them that we're a hard target.”

During the exercise at NMCP, a simulated explosion and attack with an unknown chemical occurred directly outside the hospital’s security check point. Volunteer hospital personnel acted as injured and contaminated victims from the blast.

“This exercise was good training for the hospital,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMP) Teddy Chambers. “We performed as if there were real casualties, using the equipment and supplies we would be using in an actual event.”

During the drill, medical personnel used solution and water to spray down the patients, set up a decontamination tent and put on special clothing that would be used if it were an actual terrorist threat. Chambers also said this type of training was effective and showed the hospital staff is ready to respond as expected.

“Duty crew and security had no idea what was going to happen or when it was going to happen,” he continued. “Here we had an opportunity to respond to a situation with casualties, not just simulated training, but doing hands-on work. The way they responded showed their training is working and they will be effective when needed.”

“There are certain precautions security personnel must take if there were a threat at the gates,” said Capt. William Cogar, medical director of emergency preparedness and planning at NMCP. “The drill went exceptionally well; the response at the front gate and at the [decontamination] tent was efficient. Overall, first responders did a very good job.”

Cogar emphasized the value of realistic training such as Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield and noted the probable lessons learned from such an event.

“We look for areas of weakness so we can improve upon them and we also look upon the strengths of the team and how to reinforce them,” said Cogar. “In today’s modern world, we have to be prepared to respond to anything at any time."