JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2012 is being conducted at Navail Air Station Jacksonville, along with other naval bases and installations throughout the continental U.S., this week.
It's an annual exercise and not a response to any specific threat.
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"We do exercises that basically maintain our readiness," Capt. Bob Sanders said. "Just like our operational forces abroad, we need to maintain our readiness as well."
SC-CS12 is an anti-terrorism/force protection exercise conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command on all CONUS Navy installations.
The exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security forces. It establishes a learning environment for players to exercise functional plans and operational capabilities.
SC-CS12 was developed to evaluate ATFP command and control in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility in response to terrorist activity indications and warnings or actual event.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal station operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes traffic congestion around NAS Jax, especially near the gates along Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 17.
The exercise may also cause delays in base access. Local area residents may also see increased security activity associated with the exercise.
Active duty personnel, contractors, base visitors and retirees need to be flexible with their scheduling during SC-CS12. Events, meetings, appointments and other activities may need to be rescheduled due to the exercise.
The SC-CS12 objectives are to deter potential terrorist attacks by increasing awareness of the Navy security force response to threats. It also increases the Navy internal audiences' understanding of their role in supporting the success of Navy security force activities.
Hours of operation for NAS Jacksonville facilities Friday are as follows:
At Naval Hospital Jacksonville, the Main Hospital and Branch Health Clinic will be open. Mothers who believe they will go into labor Friday during anticipated peak traffic delays at the base are asked to call Labor and Delivery at 904-542-7705 or 904-542-7704 before heading to the hospital so arrangements can be made to expedite base access. In the event of a medical emergency during the exercise, patients should call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.
Navy Exchange (NEX):
Main Store and Gas Station/Car Care Center are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barber Shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All other NEX retail, food service and service operations closed including: NexPress, Home and Garden Center, Hospital Gift Shop, Optical, Auto Service, Laundry/Drycleaners, Laundromat, Car Rental, Direct Run Food Service, Food Court, McDonalds, Subway, Human Resources and NEX Administrative Offices.
Base Commissary:
There will be no Early Bird shopping. Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Base Housing:
All housing offices, including Balfour Beatty Communities, will be closed. VyStar Credit Union on base will be closed from noon Thursday until 9 a.m. March 26. All other branches will be open.
Navy College Office:
No evening classes will be held Thursday and Friday. No classes will be held Saturday. All on-base college offices will be closed from 11 a.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Sunday.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Facilities:
The following MWR facilities will be closed Friday: Auto Skills Center, Bowling Center, Golf Course, Flying Club, Outdoor Recreation and Boat Rental, Officers' Club, Recycling Center, MWR Warehouse and Bingo.
Child Development Center, Youth Activities, Fitness Center, Base Gym, Liberty Recreation Center, Mulberry Cove Marina, Mulligans, Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, The Zone and MWR Administration will be open for business. The Information, Tickets and Travel Office opens at 10 a.m. All facilities will reopen Saturday.
For more information, contact the NAS Jacksonville Public Affairs Officer Miriam S. Gallet at 542-5588/2415.