Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will conduct its annual full-scale exercise to prove effectiveness and validity of its plans and procedures for responding to real-world emergencies, Dec. 10-11, 2024. Officials aboard the installation will put the air station staff and its tenant organizations through a series of drills and exercises during the training event, named Sudden Crisis.

During the exercise, those at and near the installation should expect to see heightened activity from law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services personnel, as well as role players in moulage makeup with simulated injuries participating in various scenarios and sounds that mimic gunfire and explosives. Scenarios will include assorted activities designed to test the responsiveness and execution of security personnel and emergency responders that will also include an active shooter emergency.

The installation will maintain normal operations and gate hours, but personnel, residents and guests should prepare for delays while attempting to access the installation and its facilities due to administration of varied force protection measures associated with the exercise.

And while the bordering waterways will remain open to the public, boaters should be aware, according to 33 CFR 334.430, the commanding officer retains the authority to restrict access to federal waterside boundaries that are the Slocum and Hancock Creeks. Thus, recreational boaters are advised to avoid the area during the execution of the exercise.

The training event is an annual requirement to exercise command and control, reporting, interoperability with external organizations, and validate tactics, techniques, and procedures, in the event the air station needs to elevate its force protection condition to safeguard personnel or national security interests.

Questions can be directed to MCAS Cherry Point Communication Strategy and Operations at 252-466-4241 or cherrypoint@usmc.mil.