The Region - News from April 6, 1987

Several thousand Navy and Coast Guard personnel will participate in a 12-day defense exercise in San Diego Bay and off the Southern California coast beginning today, the Navy said. The exercise is the “first one of this magnitude in San Diego,” said Chief Craig Huebler of the San Diego Naval Base, who explained that the exercise will enable forces to test and rehearse procedures to keep ports open and safe during a war or other national emergency. More than 20 commands--with an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 personnel--will participate, including Navy frigates and minesweepers, Coast Guard cutters and patrol boats, aircraft from both military branches and active and reserve shore commands.