NAS Whidbey exercises slated through February

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is currently participating in exercises preparing for the base’s participation in the annual exercise called Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain.

The exercises are slated to occur through February.

Area residents may also see or hear security and other first responder activities associated with the exercise, including potentially seeing training smoke, seeing increased vessel activity on the water near an installation or hearing small explosive sounds.

During these exercises, residents should expect to hear announcements over NAS Whidbey’s “Giant Voice” loudspeaker system as well as expect delays at some gates.

The simulations are part of the training exercise and pose no safety risk.

Advanced coordination took place with local law enforcement and first responders. This regularly scheduled exercise is not in response to any specific threat.