Annual Force Protection Exercise Set For Naval Weapons Station Earle

COLTS NECK, NJ — An annual force protection exercise is set to run at Naval Weapons Station Earle now through Feb. 14.

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

The exercise is regularly scheduled and is not being held in response to any specific threat, officials said.

Citadel Shield, held during the first week of the exercise, is a field training exercise led by CNIC, while Solid Curtain follows in the second week as a command post exercise led by USFFC.

The two-part training is designed to boost the readiness of US Navy security forces and ensure seamless and interoperability among commands, other services and agency partners to protect life, equipment and facilities.

Both weeks will simulate realistic threat scenarios, including active shooters, unauthorized base access and improvised explosive devices.

“Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises are vital to ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of our Navy security forces,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Installations Command.

“These comprehensive training scenarios simulate real-world threats to enhance our readiness and interoperability with other services and agency partners,” Gray continued. “Our commitment is to safeguard life, equipment, and facilities, and these exercises are an essential part of fulfilling that mission.”

During the exercise, officials said measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, though there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access.

Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place within local law enforcement and first responders.

To learn more, you can click here.

Naval Weapons Station Earle is located at 201 NJ-34, Colts Neck.