Normal operations resume at Norfolk Navy base following brief period of heightened security

The Navy’s largest base resumed usual operations early Tuesday, hours after officials announced increased security actions the day before due to unspecified safety concerns.

Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia returned to normal operations following the precautionary implementation of heightened security measures, the base said in a post to its official Facebook page.

“Normal installation access and gate operations have resumed,” the base said, adding that personnel and visitors should follow established gate hours and access procedures.

It’s unclear what prompted the base to close some of its about eight gates and reduce operating lanes at others. According to a Monday Facebook post announcing the increased security measures, personnel should be prepared for possible delays when entering NS Norfolk.

The precautions were needed to ensure the safety of personnel, families and the installation, the statement said. Officials were monitoring the situation in coordination with law enforcement and security partners, it added.

The base did not immediately respond to an email from Stars and Stripes asking for more information about what prompted the security changes.

An aerial view shows aircraft carriers and other Navy ships docked at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Dec. 20, 2012. (Ernest R. Scott/U.S. Navy)

Last month, the Navy warned service members, civilians and families to take precautions against potential threats, including removing details from social media that could reveal their affiliation with the service.

The guidance also advised personnel to report any sightings of drones flying near bases, individuals lingering near or photographing installations or people seeking information about ships, personnel or deployment dates, among other potentially problematic behaviors.

“By embracing this heightened posture of vigilance, we will safeguard our force, protect our families, and ensure the unhindered execution of our national security mission,” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said in an Aug. 19 message to the force.

The message came amid ongoing U.S. operations against Iran and followed recent events of “uncrewed aircraft systems encounters, suspicious activity, cyber threats and acts of violence,” Cao wrote.

NS Norfolk is home to the Navy’s U.S. Fleet Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic and U.S. 2nd Fleet, among some 26 naval commands, according to the base’s website.

It hosts 42 Navy warships, 16 submarines, 16 Military Sealift Command vessels and 23 aviation commands. Five carrier strike groups also are based in Norfolk, its website states.