CRANE – Naval Support Activity Crane, along with Navy installations across the country, is participating in an annual force protection exercise, Jan. 31 to Feb. 4.
Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 is the 14th iteration of a force protection training exercise conducted on Navy installations throughout the continental U.S. The exercise is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services, and agency partners.
“Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain is vital to ensuring our ability and readiness to execute the Navy’s mission and to protect our people, equipment, and facilities,” said CDR James L. Smith, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Crane. “We test ourselves against an array of realistic scenarios to ensure we are ready to respond quickly to a variety of emergency situations and provide for the safety of our personnel.”
Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 is not in response to any specific threat but is a regularly scheduled exercise.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, exercise participants will continue to adhere to the safety protocols per CDC and Navy health protection guidance, said Smith. However, this should have no significant impact on the exercise
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 Naval Support Activity Crane or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders.
“In preparation for the increased activity on and around NSA Crane during this exercise, we have already reached out to police, fire, and emergency services within the surrounding communities,” said Smith. “We have also taken efforts to mitigate traffic congestion, but we are asking those traveling on or near NSA Crane during this time to please be patient and plan accordingly.”
