The Virgin Islands National Guardsmen (VING) will participate in the territorial emergency response assessment Monday, May 15 through Friday, May 19. The exercise provides an opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands and the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to improve emergency coordination, response and recovery management with local, federal, regional, civilian and military partners. There are approximately 20 venues designated for the exercise, so it will require navigation by land, sea and air.
The community should not be alarmed if they see response vehicles in the area. During Vigilant Guard, guardsmen and equipment will deploy to varied training venues across the territory. This is just a training exercise.
Safety Alert: Motorists are asked to observe safety and road rules when they encounter a grouping of military vehicles on the roadways of St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John or Water Island. The convoy of large or wide vehicles may obstruct visibility if you attempt to pass.
VING apologizes for any noise and road traffic in the residential or community areas adjacent to the training sites. During this week, temporary restricted access may be required.
Vigilant Guard is a U.S. Northern Command and National Guard Bureau sponsored National Level Exercise (NLE). It is imperative that the territory’s local and federal first responders are prepared to quickly meet the needs of the community in an efficient and safe manner.
