Heroes Unite: First Responders and Military Join Forces in Crisis Training

NORFOLK, Va. — On February 5, 2025, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Iowa Estates was the site of an intense training exercise that simulated an active shooter scenario compounded by an improvised explosive device threat. This crucial event brought together a range of local and federal agencies to enhance their readiness and coordination in handling high-stress incidents.

The drill saw the collaboration of Navy Police, Norfolk Police, Norfolk Fire, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units. According to Captain Mathew Olson, NSA Hampton Roads Commanding Officer, “Exercises like this are critical in ensuring our personnel are prepared for real-world threats.”

The exercise commenced with a staged active shooter situation where a suspect began discharging a weapon in the Iowa Estates area. The Navy Police reacted swiftly, leading a pursuit into the residential zone. During this chase, the appearance of a suspected IED significantly escalated the situation, necessitating immediate interface with EOD experts to evaluate and mitigate the explosive threat.

As the suspect barricaded himself in his vehicle, the situation called for decisive action from the amalgamated agencies. NCIS took over negotiation efforts, aiming for a peaceful standoff resolution. This segment of the drill spanned nearly two hours, allowing participating units to critically assess and refine their procedures regarding crisis management and multi-agency communication.

The main objective was to provide a robust training experience, boosting the tactical response, refining procedures, and prioritizing public safety. Lieutenant Shawn Watkins, NSA Hampton Roads Security Officer, emphasized, “The more we train together, the better prepared we are. These scenarios push us to refine our strategies.”

Coordination and clear communication were pivotal throughout the exercise. The involvement of fire departments and EOD teams was essential in addressing potential dangers, showcasing the effectiveness of swift, cooperative efforts in complex emergency situations.

This simulation offered personnel a chance to develop offensive and defensive strategies, hone crisis negotiation skills, and maintain situational responsiveness under duress. The collaborative effort of law enforcement, fire services, medical support, and the military underscored the necessity of unified action in critical incidents.

Captain Olson reflected on the event’s significance, stating, “At the end of the day, everything we do is about protecting lives.” The exercise’s successful execution laid the groundwork for future training protocols and real-world incident responses, ensuring readiness through ongoing professional development.