Disaster exercise on the way for NAS Whidbey Island

MOUNT VERNON — Naval Air Station Whidbey Island will be one of four Navy bases in the state to take part next week in an earthquake and multihazard response exercise.

According to a Monday news release from the Navy, the exercise will run June 13-17.

Also taking part will be Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Magazine Indian Island and Naval Station Everett.

The annual exercise, which is called Citadel Rumble, will test the bases’ abilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from hazards triggered by a natural disaster. In this exercise, simulated major earthquakes will trigger other hazardous events.

Those near one of the bases may see or hear activities related to the exercise, but this activity is not expected to impact the public outside of Navy property, stated the release.

Activity observed may include messages played over the Navy’s loudspeaker systems and increased emergency response vehicle and personnel activity.