Wilmington VA Health Care Center to host joint active assailant preparedness exercise

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington VA Health Care Center will temporarily close to the public on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as it hosts a large-scale active assailant preparedness exercise designed to strengthen coordinated emergency response among federal and local agencies.

The facility will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the scheduled training event, which is being led by the VA Emergency Management Team in partnership with VA Police and local law enforcement agencies.

Officials say the exercise is a proactive effort to enhance readiness and ensure seamless coordination in the event of a real-world threat. The training will focus on synchronized tactics, communication, and rapid response protocols across participating agencies.

“This is a scheduled drill,” the Emergency Management Team said in a statement. “Testing our procedures in a high-stress, realistic environment is the only way to ensure we are ready for the unthinkable. By training alongside our local partners, we ensure our response is seamless and effective.”

During the exercise, residents in the surrounding area may notice a significant presence of emergency vehicles and personnel at the facility. Officials also noted that simulated gunfire and other loud noises may be heard as part of the training scenario.

Despite the heightened activity, authorities emphasized that there is no threat to the public.

Normal operations at the Wilmington VA Health Care Center are expected to resume immediately after noon the same day, with scheduled appointments and services continuing as planned.