Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sophia Bumps | Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) simulate an active...... read more read more
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sophia H. Bumps
SASEBO, Japan (July 31, 2025) — Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) conducted exercise Citadel Pacific 2025 (CP25) across various CFAS installations in Sasebo, Japan, during the last week of July.
CP25 is an annual exercise designed to evaluate the readiness and response capabilities of fleet and installation security programs against various real-world threats. The training covered situations ranging from active shooter scenarios to infrastructure threats such as fires and cyberattacks.
“CP25 is a full-scale exercise (FSE),” said CFAS Assistant Installation Training Officer Chief Fire Controlman Richard E. Adams. “It’s a valuable opportunity for Sasebo to enhance its readiness.”
The exercise leveraged a blended approach, primarily utilizing command post exercises to assess staff procedures and command and control effectiveness. Realistic field training exercises provided effective opportunities to evaluate tactical proficiency.
“We are also providing training for our Emergency Operations Center on how to respond to infrastructure threats both on base and out in the community, such as loss of power and water contamination,” said Adams.
Tabletop exercise elements and discussion-based scenarios were interwoven throughout the FSE to bridge the gap between planning and execution, as well as to foster critical thinking. This allowed participants to apply procedures in a low-pressure environment before practical implementation.
“This year, we focused on getting a more practical and real-life application to our Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems drills,” said Adams. “We joined with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) members to utilize their drone during those exercises to allow our Sailors to see and engage a drone in a real-life application as opposed to a prop. This was a critical added benefit to have this year compared to last year, quality training value [was] added.”
CP25 concluded on the first day of August with a debrief involving all departments that participated in the drill. Adams described the training as successful, noting that the exercise allowed the region to evaluate its strengths and areas for improvement while gaining a clearer understanding of how each base contributes to Japan’s overall defense.
“We never know when a threat will be upon us. There is no ‘training time out’ when a real-world situation happens,” said Adams. “We will continue to train and identify our deficiencies and hone our skills to be ready at a moment's notice.”
Overall, the exercise reinforced the importance of readiness and interoperability. This was evident by military installation participation throughout the region including CFA Okinawa, CFA Yokosuka, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, NAF Misawa, Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, who also participated in CP25.
“CP25 was a great opportunity to test the cohesion of the CFAS team, our command and control and first response capabilities, and our ability to protect and support our forward-deployed naval forces during a contingency scenario,” said CFAS Chief Staff Officer Cmdr. Tyler Maness.
For 78 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2025 18:57 |
| Story ID: | 544991 |
| Location: | SASEBO, NAGASAKI, JP |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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