Navy Concludes Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2012

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy wrapped up its largest annual security exercise March 23 after a week of training designed to test the service's ability to respond to nation-wide threats to its installations, units, personnel and families.

The exercise, known as Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield (SC-CS) 2012, was led by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and began March 19.

"Our intent was to accurately simulate real-world conditions, and to assess how our forces operate in that environment," said Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander of USFF. "Overall, it was a resounding success and a large part of that can be attributed to the lessons we've learned from previous years."

One of the takeaways from last year's exercise was that sudden increases in security could have a major impact on traffic caused by personnel entering and exiting local bases under increased scrutiny.

"Whenever you have Sailors and other citizens in a gridlocked situation outside of a Navy base, they're in an environment where they're vulnerable," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, USFF's director for operations and intelligence. "We opened up our lines of communication and worked with state and local officials to ensure everyone -- both service members and local residents -- understood how base access could be affected and the potential for delays on adjacent highways and roads near naval installations. We also took many important steps to reduce the likelihood of gridlock."

"I am very impressed with the professionalism and support our Navy received from our civil partners around the country during this exercise," said Adm. Harvey. "We began reaching out to state, local and tribal officials weeks ago to make sure everyone that might be affected by the exercise understood our intentions and make them aware of how we could work together to avoid problems. They really came through and did a superb job!"

The two exercises, each with a distinct focus, occurred simultaneously and trained and tested security force personnel throughout a number of force-protection scenarios. These scenarios ranged from identifying surveillance to large-scale, multifaceted threats originating from the sea and air. Security forces were assessed on their response to the emerging threats.

Information was collected throughout this year's exercises and will be assessed to identify tactics, techniques and procedures that can be improved going forward.

Exercise SC/CS 2012 was not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise.

Training evolutions like SC/CS 2012 are important elements of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.