Executive Summary
- Fort Eustis will conduct an active shooter exercise on Thursday, Feb. 19.
- Residents should expect increased emergency vehicle traffic and personnel presence.
- Base entry points and customer service areas will experience operational delays.
- The "Giant Voice" notification system may broadcast audible alarms during the drill.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Fort Eustis officials have issued a public advisory regarding an active shooter exercise scheduled for Thursday, alerting the surrounding community to anticipate a visible increase in emergency response operations. The drill is designed to test the installation’s emergency protocols and coordination capabilities in the event of a high-threat security incident.
According to an announcement posted on the installation’s official Facebook page, the exercise will result in a surge of emergency vehicles and personnel operating on and around the base. Authorities have not released a specific start time for the simulation, citing operational security measures.
The exercise is expected to disrupt standard operations at the base. Officials noted that entry control points and various customer service areas within Fort Eustis will be impacted, likely causing delays for personnel and visitors. Additionally, the installation’s "Giant Voice" mass notification system may be activated, meaning residents in the adjacent Newport News area could hear loud broadcasted messages or alarms associated with the training.
Operational Readiness and Public Awareness
Such exercises are standard procedure for U.S. military installations, mandated to ensure that security forces, medical teams, and command staff are prepared for crisis scenarios. For the local civilian population, advance notification is a crucial safety measure to prevent panic or unnecessary calls to 911 triggered by the sights and sounds of the drill, particularly the use of sirens and the loud-speaker system.
