NCBC Gulfport to Participate in Annual Navy Force Protection Exercise

February 2, 2025

WXXV Staff,

NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATTALION CENTER GULFPORT, Miss. — Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport will participate in an annual force protection exercise Feb. 3-14, 2025.

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2025 (CSSC25) is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) on all Navy installations in the continental U.S. each year.

Citadel Shield, which occurs in the first week, is the field training exercise (FTX) portion led by CNIC. Solid Curtain occurs the following week and is the command post exercise (CPX) led by USFFC. This two-part approach was designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners in order to protect life, equipment and facilities.

CSSC25 is a regularly scheduled exercise and is not being held in response to any specific threat.

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 the base 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.

“This annual exercise reinforces our ability to protect NCBC Gulfport and its 10,000 employees and residents against any threat that comes our way. It is our responsibility to train like we fight, always expecting the unexpected and maintaining the ability to defend the place we call home,” said Capt. Ana Franco, commanding officer of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. “My team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of this base, and training exercises like this one only enhance our strength and readiness to respond.”

For information about potential impacts due to the exercise, please follow our social media platforms (facebook.com/NCBCGulfport or instagram.com/NCBCGulfport).