Security Exercises Underway At Naval Station Newport

NEWPORT, RI — Naval Station Newport is conducting annual force protection exercises all this week. While base officials have taken steps to minimize disruptions, traffic backups in the area or delays getting into the base are possible while the exercises are underway.

"Our Navy’s responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, equipment and installations," said Capt. Ian Johnson, the base' commanding officer. "It is also a top priority to make sure our surrounding communities are safe and secure and we continue to be a good neighbor to them."

The exercises test the readiness of the station's security forces. They are not in response to any specific threat, the base said in a statement, instead it is a "regularly scheduled exercise."

More information about the potential impacts to the public is available on Naval Station Newport's Facebook page.