BREMERTON — People along Sinclair Inlet heard and saw Navy security forces participate in Citadel Protect, an Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) exercise, on April 12 and 13.

The exercise featured harbor patrol unit boats and security personnel engaged in simulated scenarios including a small boat attack and an active shooter aboard USS Nimitz. Residents heard gunfire using blanks and saw Navy boats running drills on April 5 when preparations for the exercise started.

“Drills like this are important to train our personnel on how to react for any type of threat that may occur,” said Ens. Mike Hodosky, who is in charge of Naval Base Kitsap’s anti-terrorism program and harbor patrol division.

Small boat drills took place during day and evening hours and simulated fast-moving boats in Sinclair Inlet attacking vessels at NBK-Bremerton. NBK’s harbor patrol boats practiced intercepting the simulated attacker using blank rounds.

“It’s up to the watchstander to go through the proper pre-planned responses and follow procedures in order to deal with that type of threat,” Hodosky said.

Part of that is determining the intent of the approaching vessel.

“There’s a lot of thought process involved,” he said, “A lot of learning is going on here, which is very beneficial.”

USS Nimitz, an aircraft carrier moored in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s Controlled Industrial Area, was a partner in Citadel Protect. The carrier issued warnings to the simulated attacker and also fired blank rounds.

According to Rich Miller, NBK’s installation training officer and readiness director, a key objective for the exercise was establishing a cohesive working relationship between NBK and other installation commands in case of a real-world situation.

“Communication is key,” he said. “The important aspect of the exercise and drill was the integration between the ship and shore.”

The exercise also included an active shooter scenario in which security personnel had to stop a simulated shooter loose in the area.

According to Miller, Citadel Protect is a unique training opportunity for multiple reasons.

Although Citadel Protect is part of NBK’s normal training rotation, this week was the first time it took place in locations and on vessels within the restricted area.

A tremendous amount of effort went into making the exercise realistic such as using a Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES. MILES uses laser emitters on weapons and laser detecting sensors worn by exercise participants to simulate real gunfire. The system adds a new level of realism when exercise participants are firing blank rounds.

Participants knew what they were shooting at and if they were hitting their targets. Hodosky added that it was important for personnel to get this instant feedback so they could adjust their aim for the specific scenario and conditions.

Actually going out on boats to practice firing weapons also adds realism to the exercise, he said.

“Being on a boat is a lot harder than having your feet on the ground and reacting towards a threat,” he said.

Security personnel on NBK train continually to be ready for any possible scenario. According to Miller, training like this is vital to keeping the base protected and prepared for any eventuality.

“If you’re trained correctly you’re going to do your job correctly,” he said. “The more training we do, the more drills we do, the more proficient they are.”

“The lessons learned in Citadel Protect and the experience security personnel gained were of incredible value,” said Capt. Tom Zwolfer, NBK’s Commanding Officer. “I’m pleased that our security forces were able to partner with USS Nimitz and that so many security and law enforcement personnel, including the Bremerton Police Department, were able to observe the scenarios.”

Zwolfer added his appreciation to the community for their continued support.

“Local residents have been tremendously supportive of Citadel Protect and other training we’ve conducted,” he said. “Obviously, the Navy sees value in special training scenarios so that we’re prepared and it’s terrific that the community also sees how important this is. We really appreciate their understanding of our needs and their support of our mission.”