The naval submarine base has announced a series of training and drills at the base and along the waterfront from Feb. 6-10 and Feb. 13-17.

Some training activities may affect traffic and access to the base, as gates or roads on the base may be temporarily closed. Some activities will include live automatic weapons firing with blanks, according to the Navy.

The Navy said in a news release that these regularly-scheduled exercises continue efforts to enhance the readiness of base security to respond to threats to the base and its submarines.

”Drills will involve SUBASE Security force mobile units, Harbor Patrol Boats units, role players, simulated aggressor boats, homeported submarines, and base waterfront facilities,“ it said.

Dave Cruz, SUBASE Training Officer, said automatic weapons firing with blank ammunition will be used during the following times:

•9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 7

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 on the Thames River and near the base waterfront

•10 a.m. to noon Monday, Feb. 13: in the vicinity of base waterfront and piers.

“If our neighbors or base personnel hear gunfire or something of concern at any other time, then they should report it immediately for the proper authorities to investigate,” Cruz said in a statement.

Training and safety observers will be involved during the drills “to ensure the strictest safety parameters.”

Cruz and the base have communicated with local officials, emergency managers, and the media to help keep the community aware of the noise associated with the live firing of blanks.