MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – On Thursday, February 6th, NAS Meridian took part in a critical training exercise as part of the nationwide Navy-wide Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises. This two-week event is designed to enhance readiness across all Navy installations, focusing on scenarios such as active shooter situations, unauthorized base access, and IED threats.
he first week, known as Citadel Shield, is dedicated to evaluating first responders and military personnel, ensuring they are ready to handle potential threats effectively and efficiently.
“Today what we saw was an active shooter in a highly populated, sensitive area, and we wanted to train and test our first responders, our law enforcement, our fire department, and even our emergency management team. So, we want to test and evaluate how they do to be able to determine our strengths and our weaknesses and develop training that will help us improve on this type of response,” said Justin Powell, Installation Training Officer at NAS Meridian.
The drill not only tested the first responders but also allowed personnel to learn from each exercise, improving coordination between different units and departments. Powell shared how these exercises prepare them for future force protection operations.
“Next week we join with all of the U.S. Navy in more of a force protection exercise where we do things as we are directed to. That may include increasing security posture or doing different measures that help us practice how we can keep the base safe,” said Powell.
Though the drill is not in response to any specific threat, the realistic scenarios offer valuable insight for those who serve on the frontlines.
“I’m doing both. I’m in a transitional process where I’m learning, but also, I’ve been through these drills, been through the situations where I can help the situation and get the Watch Commanders what they need to support them,” said Calvin Jordon Green, Leading Petty Officer, Security Department, NAS Meridian.
For personnel like Leading Petty Officer Green, who spent the day in the Emergency Operations Center, the exercise helps bridge the gap between experience and knowledge.
“They train every Tuesday how to respond to these smaller threats, but this time it’s more realistic, more gunfire, larger amounts of people, more injuries, the fire department coming in and helping them evacuate, making sure the scene is safe, turning it over to NCIS and working with local law enforcement throughout this whole process,” said Green.
The emphasis on realistic simulations helps prepare everyone involved for the unknown.
“It’s not if, it’s when. We never know what’s going to happen, but we train and we plan for it. Whatever happens, we take it on,” said Green.
For the NAS Meridian Fire Department, it’s not just about responding to emergencies, but also building coordination with outside agencies.
“The part I enjoy most, is bringing resources off base, because typically we only get to play with ourselves basically, with us calling Metro, and Lauderdale County, and the City of Meridian, it brings us all together because we need them just like they may need us,” said Chief Twaskie Graham, NAS Meridian Fire Department.
Chief Graham, who’s worked at NAS Meridian since 1993, knows the value of this repetitive training, stressing that muscle memory is key to keeping everyone safe.
“I pray that we never have to use this, but it’s good training for the fact that it’s muscle memory. We do it over and over and over again. If we ever need this we know what to do, how to respond, who to call…” said Graham.
Through these exercises, NAS Meridian ensures their personnel are ready for any situation, providing essential training that helps save lives in real-world scenarios.
As the Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain exercises continue, NAS Meridian remains committed to ensuring that its personnel are prepared for any threat or emergency that may arise.
