Navy bases to conduct major exercise

Navy bases around the world, including Naval Air Station Fallon, will be conducting a weeklong security readiness exercise that begins Monday.

According to Chris Pierce, the base's training officer, the major days of the drill will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The exercises, dubbed "Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield," will test the base's command and control system and how well sailors react to specific situations in a Fleet Forces Command exercise. The annual exercise provides real-world scenarios for both military and civilian responders.

Pierce said "Solid Curtain" is a Navy-wide coordinated exercise whereby installations report to each other and to Washington, D.C., Pierce said

"Citadel Shield" allows NAS Fallon to conduct several drills related only to the local base.

"People coming on to the base on Thursday will be affected," said Pierce, explaining that the majority of vehicles will be searched. "This could create possible delays."

On Friday, however, the base will be shut down to all nonessential personnel because of the training. This includes the commissary, Navy Exchange, medical services and the credit union. Pierce said mission-essential personnel will be available to provide emergency medical services. Furthermore, he said, all Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities will be open to those on base, but the theater will be closed to patrons Friday night.

"Expect the exercise to go into Saturday morning or early afternoon," Pierce said.