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Communication Key for Solid Curtain Exercise 2018

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony Hilkowski | SAN DIEGO (Feb. 7, 2018) – First responders set up a triage area to treat and assess...... read more read more

UNITED STATES

02.08.2018

Courtesy Story

Naval Base San Diego

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Hilkowski

SAN DIEGO (Feb 7, 2018) – Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) participated in the Navy’s largest force protection exercise Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain 2018 (CS/SC18) Feb. 7.

NBSD simulated an active shooter event on one of its piers as part of CS/SC18, an annual anti-terrorism force protection (ATFP) exercise that is designed to train Navy security forces to respond to threats on installations and units.

“This drill helped train our responders to not only communicate amongst themselves but also with the ships on the pier,” said Senior Chief Master at Arms Donny Soito, NBSD security operations leading chief petty officer.

The simulated active shooter drill took place on a pier where the “perpetrator,” an active duty Sailor, used his vehicle to attack Sailors on the pier and then simulated opening fire on a ship, USS Pinckney (DDG 91).

“This unfortunately is something that could possibly happen as we have seen it happen on other installations,” said Soito. “The problem with being able to detect a threat like this is that he had all the proper access papers and ID cards to be able to get onto base. So a drill like this just helps our training to be able to prepare and respond to such a threat,” he said.

The drill brought many different organizations together to combat the threat and provide help to those injured during the attack.

“This drill brought together NCIS [Naval Criminal Investigative Service], Naval Base San Diego security, FED Fire and National City Fire Department,” said Chief Master at Arms Lou Canton, NBSD security department. “With an event like this there are many different people all working together and the more we train together the more we are able to work together seamlessly and neutralize a threat and help those who need it faster.”

For many, this was the first time working together and there were some points the team realized they could improve on and one of them was communication.

“Communication is a huge thing that we can always improve on during a large scale drill like this,” said Canton. “Our teams worked very well together getting the proper information to the right personnel, but we can always improve on the communication.”

Canton said his team learned a lot from the exercise and NBSD Commanding Officer, Capt. Roy Love agrees.

“Our Sailors did not hesitate to jump in and respond to the threat. They neutralized the gunman and prevented him from boarding USS Pinckney and they saved lives,” said Love. “We had multiple simulated casualties but first responders got in there, assessed the injured and prioritized care just like they would do in a real world situation,” he said. “They were able to demonstrate what they have learned during previous exercises.”

CS/SC 18 is the Navy’s two-part, linked ATFP exercises conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command at all stateside installations. The exercises began Jan. 29 and will conclude Feb. 9. CS/SC18 demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to protecting its personnel, equipment and facilities.