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NRNW Participates in Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2010

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100327-09
Release Date: 3/27/2010 11:56:00 AM

From Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, and Naval Magazine Indian Island participated in this year's security training exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2010 (SC/CS-10) March 22 - 26.

SC/CS-10 security exercise is the largest anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) exercise conducted nation-wide. The exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Naval Security Force personnel to respond to threats to installations and units, leveraging all processes security forces would implement in the event of an actual emergency.

"We hold this training annually to ensure we are ready for anything that might befall our installations," said Rear Adm. James A. Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest. "In anti-terrorism and force protection the ultimate challenge is to ensure we do not become complacent, that our command structure and security forces are always prepared."

The training was conducted at naval bases and installations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam. The drill concluded with 250 individual training events across the country. At Naval Station Everett one scenario was to compromise a disgruntled Sailor who went on a mock shooting spree on the wharf.

"Being in the military, you've got to have a quick response time to everything," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Carlos McNeal, leading chief petty officer, Naval Station Everett Supply Department.

"You have to be prepared for all situations," said McNeal. "Our main job is to protect the base and save lives."

At NAS Whidbey Island, security personnel incorporated the use of MILES gear (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) into several realistic training scenarios on Ault Field and Seaplane Base. MILES gear uses laser technology, special clothing and equipment to provide real-time feedback during an engagement by registering whether or not an opponent has been hit.

Also on NAS Whidbey Island, during a training time out, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Special Weapons and Tactics coordinated with base security and the Island County Sheriffs Office Hard Entry and Arrest Team to provide training on down officer rescue, deliberate entries and mobile assaults.

"I want to say thanks to our military partners and our Island County partners," said Lt. Wes Rethwill, of WSP. "This was wonderful opportunity for us to come out here and train and focus on the things we like to focus on. That's making entries and doing the tactical side of things. For us, it was a great training opportunity, and we look forward to the next time that we can partner with [NAS Whidbey Island] and Island County and put something else together."

Scenarios ranged from recognizing and countering base surveillance operations, to high-tempo and active simulated emergencies such as terrorist attacks, small-boat attacks on waterfront bases and cyber attacks on several installations. Also included were simulated active shooter responses, hostage rescue situations and barricaded subject drills.

"This training is a great opportunity to get our folks out there into the field and exercise the full capacity of what we can do," said NBK Command Master Chief (SS) Joseph Fahrney. "We train to make sure we are ready for when the call of duty arises."