Marine Base Near San Diego Airport Holds Active Shooter Drill

Residents may hear loud alerts and face brief gate closures during Wednesday's full-scale exercise.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a military-grade radio or communication device, its metallic surface and buttons dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of urgency and investigation.A military exercise tests emergency preparedness protocols at a San Diego Marine base.San Diego Today

The Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego will run a full-scale active-shooter training exercise on Wednesday, with booming emergency alerts, a surge of emergency vehicles, and temporary security measures that could briefly slow traffic or limit access to the base. The drill is meant to test how well emergency protocols hold up under pressure, with officials stressing it is a training event, not an actual emergency.

Why it matters

These types of full-scale active-shooter drills are a routine part of installation readiness and force-protection planning for military bases, allowing them to spot weak points and tighten coordination between military police, fire services, and emergency medical teams.

The details

During the exercise, all gates at the MCRD base will be closed for a short window between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. as response agencies move in and out. Nearby residents and motorists may hear mass-notification messages blaring from speaker towers and see ambulances, fire engines, and military police racing around the depot as part of the scenario.

  • The active-shooter drill will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The base gates will be closed between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the exercise.

The players

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

A major United States Marine Corps training installation located near the San Diego International Airport.

FOX 5 San Diego

A local television news station that reported on the upcoming active-shooter drill.

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What’s next

MCRD officials will post updates on their official social media accounts, and residents are encouraged to follow those channels or local news outlets for the latest details on the drill.

The takeaway

These types of active-shooter drills are a necessary part of military base preparedness, allowing them to test emergency protocols and coordination with local agencies. While they may cause temporary disruptions for nearby residents, they help ensure the base and community are ready to respond effectively in a real crisis.