NAS Whiting Field to Participate in Security Exercises
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, FL – NAS Whiting Field will participate in Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield ’12; anti-terrorism/force protection exercises that will be conducted on all continental United States naval installations March 19 – 25.
These annual exercises, coordinated by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, and Commander, Navy Installations Command, are designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security forces to respond to threats to installations and units. The two exercises, each with a distinct focus, occur simultaneously and will stress different areas of the Navy’s anti-terrorism program to enhance the training and readiness of Naval Security Force personnel to respond to real-world threats.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base and station operations, but there may be times when the exercises cause increased traffic around the base, delays in base access, and facility closures.
Military personnel, civilian employees, retirees, family members and visitors should factor in additional time for getting through gates to conduct business aboard the base. Vehicle drivers and passengers should carry proper identification with them at all times.
To facilitate training and minimize vehicle activity, the following actions will be observed on Friday and Saturday March 23 & 24:
– All vehicles entering and leaving the base will be required to use the West Gate (Highway 87A) as East Gate (off Munson Highway) will be closed Friday and will not re-open until noon Saturday.
– The Navy Exchange main complex (including the barbershop, Navy Gateway Inns and Suites mini-mart and auto service station); Subway, and all Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities will be closed on Friday.
– The Navy Exchange main complex (including the barbershop and auto service station will remain closed Saturday, however the Navy Gateway Inns and suites and the mini-mart will open at their normally scheduled time. All MWR facilities, except the boat docks, will open at noon Saturday March 24. The boat docks will retain their normal operating hours.
– The Navy Exchange mini-mart located in the Whiting Pines Housing complex will be open their normal scheduled hours of operation both days.
– The commissary will open Monday March 19 and Monday March 26 to adjust for being closed Friday and Saturday March 23 & 24.
– The Naval Branch Health Clinic and pharmacy will remain open Friday March 23.
Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield are regularly scheduled exercises and are not being held in response to any specific threat.
