HOOD CANAL — The Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit, Bangor, is scheduled to conduct an on-water exercise Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The exercise will be held on the Hood Canal and will include boat tactics, security zone maintenance and weapons capabilities.

During the exercise, Coast Guard personnel will be firing blank rounds to increase the realism of the training. Blank rounds have no projectiles.

The goal of the exercise is to maintain and improve qualifications of personnel that are charged with protecting the community, maritime environment and other naval vessels.

There will be a 1000-yard safety zone in effect during the exercise. A Broadcast Notice to Mariners will be transmitted before, during and at the completion of the exercise.

The Coast Guard is committed to the safety of maritime environment, marine mammals and ensuring they are protected. Specific marine mammal spotters will be on all Coast Guard vessels during the exercise, and if a marine mammal is spotted the exercise will cease or be delayed until the marine mammal moves on.

For more information contact U.S. Coast Guard, District 13 Public Affairs Office at 206-220-7237.