Navy force protection exercise impacts Island County Jan. 26 to Feb. 6

A scheduled Navy force protection exercise will bring heightened security activity to Island County and other northwest installations from Jan. 26 through Feb. 6. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2026 (CS/SC 26) is an annual anti-terrorism drill intended to sharpen response procedures and interagency coordination, and residents should expect temporary disruptions around base access points and waterfront facilities.

The exercise is being conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command and will take place at Navy installations across the continental United States, including northwest bases that affect Island County. The Navy has emphasized that CS/SC 26 is a regularly scheduled training event, not a response to any specific threat. Navy policy prohibits discussion of Force Protection specifics, so operational details will not be released.

Local impacts are primarily logistical and sensory. Residents and commuters may encounter increased traffic near base gates and delays in base access due to temporary gate closures or heightened screening. People living or working near installations may also see or hear training smoke, small explosive sounds, emergency notification loudspeaker announcements, or observe increased response vehicle and vessel activity on or near a Navy installation. The Navy describes these as simulations that pose no safety risk. Officials say advanced coordination has taken place with county law enforcement and local first responders to limit disruptions and to maintain public safety.

For businesses and service providers that serve military personnel and families, the exercise could alter normal patterns of arrival and departure at installations. Commuters who use routes adjacent to base property should allow extra travel time and follow posted directions from security personnel and local police. Boaters operating near naval piers or channels should remain alert for increased vessel traffic and any temporary restrictions announced by local authorities.

The exercise aims to ensure Navy personnel are trained and prepared to respond quickly and confidently to security incidents and to strengthen communication and collaboration with other agencies. While the Navy will not detail specific scenarios, the routine nature of CS/SC 26 means similar drills occur regularly to test procedures and interagency response.

Island County residents affected by temporary delays or noise should treat unusual sights and sounds as part of a planned training activity and heed guidance from law enforcement and installation security. Expect normal operations to resume after Feb. 6, but stay attentive to local public-safety notifications while the exercise is underway.