HM Government of Gibraltar is pleased to confirm the successful completion of Exercise Rocky Pigeon, a triennial joint emergency preparedness exercise carried out yesterday in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise tested Gibraltar’s multi-agency response to a simulated radiation-related incident. It was designed to ensure that existing plans remain effective and that all responding organisations can work together efficiently should such an event ever occur.

Rocky Pigeon 2025 tested all levels of the emergency response, from immediate on-site attendance to the distribution of stable iodine tablets to the whole population, and culminated in a simulated press conference.

Observers praised the high levels of professionalism demonstrated throughout, as well as the robustness of the plans and the smooth execution of each stage of the exercise. The coordination between operational teams, command centres and supporting agencies was described as exemplary.

The Government is grateful to all who took part in the exercise and to the Ministry of Defence for their close cooperation. The lessons learned will help to further strengthen Gibraltar’s resilience and emergency planning.

Civil Contingencies Coordinator, Ivor Lopez, said:
“I am very pleased with the way the exercise went. The professionalism, discipline and teamwork displayed by all participants were excellent. Exercises like this are essential to ensure that our response arrangements are effective and that everyone knows their role should we ever face a real emergency.”

Commander British Forces, Commodore Tom Guy, said:
“I am delighted with the way that this year’s Exercise Rocky Pigeon was conducted. Gibraltar has been re-authorised as an Operational Berth for another three years. This is a strategic capability for the UK and our Allies, and it is significant that we have demonstrated that we are capable custodians and, alongside the Government of Gibraltar, have been deemed by the Nuclear Regulator to be fit to operate the berth.

“I recognise that a lot of hard work went into the preparation and execution of the exercise, not only by our Nuclear Department and members from across British Forces Gibraltar, but also by Minister Cortes, and Ivor Lopez and the whole team who were involved to make this achievement happen. I would like to emphasise that this is simply a part of the continuation of our preparedness; there is more to do, and there will be further regular training.”

The Minister for the Environment, Professor John Cortes, chaired the exercise’s Strategic Coordinating Group and added:
“Although the likelihood of a radiation incident in Gibraltar is extremely low, it is important that we never take our preparedness for granted. Yesterday’s exercise demonstrated not only the strength of our contingency planning, but also the commitment and capability of everyone involved. I want to thank all the teams for their dedication and professionalism.”

ENDS