Groton — The Naval Submarine Base and its Naval Security Force will conduct training and drills along the base's waterfront June 6-10 and June 13-17, according to an announcement. The training will include live automatic weapons firing blanks.

"A regularly-scheduled, Navy-wide exercise, 'Citadel Protect,' will continue SUBASE efforts to enhance the readiness of base Naval Security Forces to respond to threats to the base and its homeported submarines," a news release states. "Drills will involve SUBASE Security boats, simulated aggressor boats, submarines, and waterfront facilities. As in the past few years, the drills will also involve live automatic weapons firing with blanks."

Dave Cruz, training officer for the base, said the live-fire training and drills with blanks are scheduled to take place 8:30 a.m. through 4 p.m., so if people "hear gunfire or something of concern at any other time, then they should report it immediately for the proper authorities to investigate."

Cruz said coordination and planning for the training and drills included Coastal Riverine Units, Harbor Security Units, Navy Security Forces, U.S. Coast Guard, Submarine Forces and local law enforcement, and base personnel.

"A large team of training and safety observers will be involved during the drills to ensure the strictest safety parameters," according to the release.

Cruz and the base also have been in communication with local officials, emergency managers and the media to make the community aware of the noise.