(Tribune News Service) — Drivers may experience increased traffic near Hampton Roads Navy bases or delays in base access for the next two weeks as local installations participate in a national security exercise, officials said.

This week, Navy bases across the country begin Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2024, leaders said. The annual training exercise includes realistic simulated scenarios like active shooter threats.

Because of this, Rear Adm. Wesley McCall, commander of the Navy’s Mid-Atlantic Region, said motorists can expect an increase of activity on and around bases through Feb. 16.

“We are striving to train like we fight. Adding a level of realism enables us to test ourselves and seek improvements in the best possible way,” McCall said.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normalize base operations, the Navy said. In addition to potential traffic, area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise.

Local Navy installations that will be participating include: Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth.

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