The Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has requested that the FAA issue “Special Security Instructions” to drone pilots flying near Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay due to “concerns about potentially malicious drone operations over certain, high-priority maritime operations."
The FAA is restricting drone flights near U.S. Navy (USN) and USCG vessels operating in the vicinity of Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia. According to the FAA, drone operators must maintain a distance of at least 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically from these vessels.
The FAA also warns drone operators these USN and USCG vessels are authorized to take protective action against drones violating the restrictions. Violations of the restriction could result in interference, disruption, seizure, damage or destruction of these drones. Simply put if you fly too close to these vessels, they can take down your drone however they see fit.
In another Special Notice, the FAA strongly advises drone operators to remain clear of DoD and Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and mobile assets, as well as USCG vessels. This Special Notice applies nationwide and alerts operators who ignore this caution and conduct drone flights perceived to be a safety or security threat to these facilities and mobile assets could face a reaction by security forces that results in the interference, disruption, seizure, damage or destruction of their aircraft.
Prior FAA issued notices include drone restrictions over these government assets: Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, Federal Prisons & Coast Guard Bases, and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.
The FAA adds that those who do not comply with FAA restrictions are also subject to civil penalties and criminal charges.