Navy exercise may cause traffic delays

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Navy said Thursday that local installations will participate in a nationwide security exercise next week that may lead to traffic delays into area bases.

Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2010 will be conducted March 22-26 on naval bases in Hampton Roads, as well as installations throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam.

The Navy says the exercise is the largest anti-terrorism and force protection exercise conducted nationwide.

Officials warn the exercise may cause increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see increased security activity associated with the exercise.

The exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security personnel to respond to threats to installations and units.

Authorities stress that Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2010 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise.

The annual security training exercise is coordinated by U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk and the Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C.