An unfounded bomb threat prompted a security alert at Naval Base San Diego Tuesday for the 17th time since November.
The menacing message was found scrawled in a portable outhouse at NBSD Pier 7 Tuesday morning shortly after 8 a.m., according to officials at the Barrio Logan-area military installation.
The dock was cordoned off while Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents used service dogs to search for explosives or other contraband. The personnel gave an all-clear about 9:15 a.m.
Similar incidents have plagued the base on the east side of San Diego Bay along with two adjacent shipyards, BAE Systems and General Dynamics NASSCO, over the last six months, resulting in costly disruptions as well as needless frustration and frayed nerves for military personnel and civilian workers.
"Threats of this nature are serious offenses requiring a significant response from law enforcement and enhancement to our force-protection measures," said Gunnar Newquist, special agent in charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Southwest Field Office.
All of the messages have been written inside portable outhouses or moored ships. Most have been brief, consisting of a few words, including "bomb," and a date.
Navy officials and the two shipyards are offering a combined $10,000 reward for information leading to one or more arrests in the case.
Anyone with information about the threats is urged to call the NCIS at (619) 556-1364.
