Naval Base San Diego joins nationwide Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield exercise, warning of access delays through Feb. 6

Security drill spans multiple Navy installations

Naval Base San Diego began participating on Jan. 28, 2026, in a large-scale force protection exercise running across U.S. Navy installations nationwide through Feb. 6, 2026. The annual drill, known as Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield, is designed to sharpen the readiness of Navy security personnel and installation teams to respond to threats against bases and units.

Base leadership emphasized the exercise is part of a regularly scheduled training cycle rather than a response to a specific threat environment. The program uses realistic scenarios intended to test security procedures, coordination among commands, and command-and-control processes under time pressure.

Expected local impacts: traffic, gate delays, and a key date

Officials said steps were taken to limit disruption to day-to-day activity, but warned that some effects are likely, including increased traffic near gates and slower access to facilities. Residents near military properties in the San Diego region may also notice a larger security presence during the exercise window.

Operational impacts are expected to be most noticeable on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, with possible delays affecting visitors and customers at base services such as retail and grocery facilities, family support programs, and those traveling to medical appointments.

• Increased traffic and intermittent delays at base entry points through Feb. 6
• Potentially heightened impacts on Feb. 4 for shoppers, clients, and visitors
• Greater visible security activity around installations during scenario play

Medical access planning urged during the exercise window

Naval Medical Center San Diego and branch clinic traffic could be affected by exercise activity, with officials advising patients and visitors to plan for significant delays. Guidance released with the exercise information recommended arriving at least 45 minutes early for scheduled appointments.

How the Navy says it measures readiness during the drill

The exercise will include the Ashore Navy Security Operations Exercise Program, a structured training system intended to help commanders evaluate watchstanders and small-unit performance using standardized scenarios and assessment tools. Exercise planners said the goal is to improve detection and response capabilities for a range of potential threats, including challenges from both landward and seaward approaches.

“Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base and workforce operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access,” the base commanding officer said in a statement released with the exercise announcement.

Naval Base San Diego’s regional role

Naval Base San Diego, established in 1922, is described by the Navy as the largest West Coast naval installation and a principal homeport supporting more than 60 combatant and auxiliary surface ships and more than 250 shore commands. As the exercise runs through Feb. 6, officials said the public should anticipate intermittent disruptions while installation teams practice procedures intended to strengthen force protection and coordination with partner agencies.