SEATTLE — The Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit out of Bangor will conduct tactical, security and weapons training exercises on Hood Canal on Monday.
The exercise will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It will include boat tactics, security zone maintenance and weapons capabilities, the Coast Guard said.
During the exercise, Maritime Force Protection personnel will fire blank rounds for weapons training.
The blank rounds are not projectiles, and no person will have anything shot at them, but the live fire and blasts will mimic real engagement.
“I doubt that the exercise will be in a location easily viewable by the public,” said Petty Officer Eric Chandler, Coast Guard spokesman.
“They wouldn’t want to incite any kind of panic in people who didn’t know that it was just a training.”
Chandler said the Coast Guard doesn’t reveal the exact location of its security vessels to protect crews.
The specific location of the exercise on Hood Canal could also change depending on the weather.
Boats may be moving at high speeds during the exercise.
The Coast Guard plans to set up a safety zone to ensure that no unauthorized boats wander into the training course unaware during those hours.
“The Coast Guard will be making continuous announcements by VHF marine band radio to let people know there are vessels moving at high speeds and to be aware of increased activity,” Chandler said.
“If, for whatever reason, a ship has its radio off, it will be approached by Coast Guard boats.”
Marine mammal spotters will be on all Coast Guard vessels during the exercise, and if a marine mammal is spotted, the exercise will be stopped.
