At a jittery time, when response from Washington to Northern Korean missile tests and other threats is uncertain, Joint Region Marianas Navy Guam installations will participate in Exercise Citadel Pacific 2017 July 31 to August 4.
This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training, readiness and capability of Navy security forces to respond to threats to Navy installations and units.
Not to worry though, Operation Citadel is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise, Joint Region Marianas assures Guam residents.
. Residents and prospective visitors to Big Navy are advised that during the week, exercise responses may result in increased ID card checks at the gates.
Additionally, the Trusted Traveler program – a program that authorizes Department of Defense ID card holders to escort guests onto Naval Base Guam – may be suspended from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 1-3. All vehicle occupants will be required to provide an approved base access credential. Expect delays at the main gate for NBG and U.S. Naval Hospital Guam due to temporary gate closures as part of the exercise.
Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see increased security activity associated with the exercise.
As part of the exercise, the naval base PA system/aka/Giant Voice system will be activated, and residents in surrounding areas of the GV speakers will hear exercise announcements regarding the exercise throughout the week. JRM says use of the 'Giant Voice' adds realism to the events for the week.