Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2016 has once again brought an opportunity for Sailor and civilian security forces to work side-by-side in an effort to enhance training and readiness of Navy security personnel.

The annual exercise started Feb. 10 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego with an improvised explosive device's (IED) blast as an armed man, role-playing as an active shooter, charged through the gates of the pier to USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

The shooter ran along the pier "shooting" at participating Sailors, some of whom were role-playing as bystanders being both shot and injured, or dead. After tactically establishing the shooter's location, Navy security forces apprehended the shooter.

"An important thing is the realism of the scenario itself," said Ensign Jonathan D. Ramirez, security officer for Naval Base Coronado. "Whether that's utilizing technology for the simulated IED to actual real-world weapons being employed with blanks."

The Federal Fire Department, Coronado Police, and Emergency Medical Response Services were on scene, providing medical treatment and back up security.

Firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT) quickly moved to each "bystander" Sailor, treating injuries and relocating them to safer locations.

Although Coronado Police did not play a role in apprehending the shooter, police officers stood at the ready and were prepared to assist in the exercise.

"If something like this happens, our agency has concurrent jurisdiction on the base," said Patrick O'Malley, a Coronado police officer. "We have to be able to respond and fold in with their plan and communication they use."

In the event there was an active shooter or another terrorist attack, military and civilian security forces and medical services continue to strive to achieve successful communication and action.

"It's really eye opening for agencies to get together and learn each other's tactics," said O'Malley. "We get to learn where our pitfalls are and things we can improve on."

According to a study done by the FBI, there have been five incidents that occurred on military properties that have resulted in 27 killed and 43 wounded. To combat these tragedies, Ramirez said these exercises are crucial to keep all security personnel trained and prepared to perform.

"We all function within the continuity of operations," Ramirez said. "Our common goal immediately is that we want to cancel a threat as fast as possible and preserve life. We want to deter, detect, defeat and recover from any terrorist attack. Within the life cycle of those events, it's absolutely critical that we have their (local law enforcement) support."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southwest, visit http://www.navy.mil/.