US Navy kicks off largest force protection exercise across US

February 3, 2022, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has started its largest annual force protection exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 at installations throughout the United States, including Naval Station Great Lakes.

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022, which is scheduled to take place between 31 January and 11 February, is an annual, two-week force protection and anti-terrorism exercise conducted by Commander, Navy Installations Command and Commander, US Fleet Forces Command on all navy installations in the continental US.

The exercises are designed to enhance the readiness of navy first responders and ensure seamless interoperability among navy commands, other services and agency partners.

Specifically, Citadel Shield is the field training exercise led by CNIC, and Solid Curtain is a command post exercise co-led by USFFC and CNIC.

“Our Sailors will be perfecting their tactics, training and procedures, and honing their skills to ensure they remain the premier fighting force, ready and able to defend our nation every day,” said Capt. Jason Williamson, NSGL Commanding Officer.

The officials pointed out that these exercises use realistic scenarios to ensure US Navy security forces maintain a high level of readiness to respond to changing and dynamic threats.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around Great Lakes or delays in base access. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.

“This exercise will provide participants with an opportunity to assess capabilities, plans, policies, and procedures. It will focus on decision-making, coordination, and integration with other jurisdictions/organizations during a variety of scenarios. The expected outcome of the exercise is successful integration of, and communication of first responders throughout the community and the Navy,” said Terry Lanners, Installation Training Officer.