BANGOR— The Coast Guard is conducting an exercise on the Hood Canal today.
The Maritime Force Protection Unit from Bangor began the exercise at 9 a.m. and expects to continue until 4 p.m.
During the exercise, Coast Guard personnel are firing blank rounds to increase the realism of the training. Blank rounds have no projectiles.
The goal of the exercise is to maintain and improve qualifications of personnel who are charged with protecting the community, maritime environment and other naval vessels.
A 1,000-yard safety zone is in effect during the exercise. A broadcast notice to mariners was transmitted before the exercise and will be repeated during it and after it ends.
Marine mammal spotters will be on all Coast Guard vessels during the exercise, the Coast Guard said, and if a marine mammal is spotted the exercise will cease or be delayed until the marine mammal moves on.
