The Government has confirmed the successful completion of Exercise Rocky Pigeon, a triennial joint emergency preparedness exercise carried out on Thursday 23rd October in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

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 exercises 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.”