Stars and Stripes

Ward Sanderson / Stars and Stripes Airman Trevor Britton and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Brack wear flak vests and helmets while guarding a base entrance at Naval Support Activity, Naples.

NAPLES, Italy — The Naval Support Activity has been conducting a Threat Condition Charlie drill since last week. It was scheduled to conclude Tuesday.

"It’s only a drill," said Lt. Fred Kuebler, a base spokesman.

The base had been at the enhanced alert condition in December, reportedly in response to the potential for holiday violence as the Ramadan and Christmas seasons intersected.

The Navy has since operated at Threatcon Alpha, which implies the least threat of terrorism.

Chief Petty Officer Dan Smithyman, another base spokesman, said surprises such as gate delays or a sudden emergency enactment were not announced during the recent drills to make them more effective.

"They’re trying to see how everyone responds," Smithyman said.

Even senior enlisted service members not directly involved were not told what to expect when.

"They’re keeping it hush-hush," Smithyman said.

"All I can tell you is what you see," Kuebler said.

Some specific scenarios appear to have included threats against the U.S. Naval Hospital and sailor barracks at the Navy’s Capodichino facility.

Some gates also have been closed to traffic.