Personnel from Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach will be taking part in
Exercise Citadel Rumble 2010 from August 30-September 2. “They keep the details of the drill under wraps,” said Gregg T. Smith, spokesperson for Navel Weapons Station Seal Beach. “These exercises get pretty detailed, with various surprises thrown in by the drill organizers. For example, during these events I often get multiple phone calls from Navy training team members posing as journalists, city officials or members of the public wanting details about whatever "incident" the drill involves.”

The exercise will help prepare naval installations to respond to earthquake, wildfire and terrorist threats, and maintain the ability to operate even under the most adverse conditions. It will be conducted on naval bases throughout the continental United States.

“Every Navy base in the nation will be drilling, with the primary focus being reaction to a catastrophic earthquake or similar regional disaster,” Smith told OC180NEWS. “Here at NWS Seal Beach we will practice both tactical (first responder) and command reaction to a local quake, as well as how we would coordinate assistance to other Navy bases in California if a disaster were to happen somewhere else. We will also be exercising our ability to do a quick count of all command personnel and dependants following a disaster.”

West OC residents may see increased security and emergency response activity associated with the exercise. The installation’s “Giant Voice” mass notification loudspeaker system may also be used. Civilian boat access to Anaheim Bay is currently scheduled to remain open during the event.