Joint Base Journal Vol. 5, No. 46
November 14, 2014
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J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING
www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab
Happy 239th Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!
Joint Base trains for winter weather BY MICHELLE L. GORDON
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was filled with leaders from throughout the installation Nov. 6 as they prepared for a winter storm headed for the National Capital Region. The mock storm was part of a tabletop exercise (TTX) coordinated by Emergency Manager Darryl Hart to ensure JBAB is ready for the coming winter season. “Exercises like this prepare the base emergency support functions for severe weather threats,” said Hart. “We activate the EOC when a big storm occurs to support the agencies that have work do to around the base in the event of a tornado, a hurricane, or in this case, a winter storm.” The TTX allowed JBAB support functions, such as public works, safety, police and fire departments, and Warfighter & Family Readiness (WFR), to talk through the steps their individual agencies would take during a snow emergency. It also provided an opportunity to evaluate and update their
inclement weather continuity of operations procedures and standard operating procedures. Comprised of three modules, the TTX focused on: preparation, response and recovery. During each module, the support functions reviewed and discussed the steps taken during the different phases of a winter storm. “The discussions allow us to capture lessons learned,” said JBAB Training and Readiness Officer Tim Trammell. “This is an opportunity for everybody to have a good discussion and ensure we’re all on the same page when it comes to preparation and response to winter storms, before we have our first snow on the ground.” Throughout the exercise, mock weather updates were used to inform the EOC about current weather conditions to help solicit the appropriate responses and move the exercise forward. Hart and Trammel served as evaluators and facilitators during the TTX. They listened to the discussions, provided feedback and encouraged the agencies to think
See WINTER, Page 3
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MICHELLE L. GORDON
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) District Fire Chief Jeff Williams explains JBAB Fire Department standard operating procedures and responsibilities for winter weather during a training exercise held Nov. 6. The training exercise allowed JBAB support functions, such as public works, safety, police and fire departments, and Warfighter & Family Readiness (WFR), to talk through the steps their individual agencies would take during a snow emergency.
Operation Overcoat provides gently-used coats to local community BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY LT. CMDR. JIM REMINGTON
(Left to right) Battalion Chief Jeffrey Williams, Joint Base AnacostiaBolling Fire and Emergency Services Department; Andrea Coleman, director of elementary education for Day Break Ministries; Police Chief Larry Graves, JBAB DOD Police Department; Lt. Cmdr. Michael Rickett, JBAB operations officer; and Division Chief Mark Hendley, JBAB Fire and Emergency Services, transfer coats from coat donation collection boxes to bags for easier transportation and carrying during Operation Overcoat 2013. Firefighters and DOD police officers at JBAB conducted the coat drive to help keep residents of low-income housing areas in the District of Columbia’s Ward 7 warm during the winter.
Living on the sidewalk or under a bridge is always grim for the homeless, but during winter it can be deadly, and with temperatures dropping, they could use some help. The Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) Security and Operations Office started Operation Overcoat to help provide outerwear to those most in need. Currently in its second year, the clothing drive collects coats of all sizes for the District. During 2013, JBAB Firefighters and Department of Defense (DOD) police officers distributed several hundred coats to needy residents living in Washington, D.C., Ward 7. The gently-used coats were donated by JBAB residents, military members, civilians and contractors, making the drive a success.
“We’re hoping for the same successful turnout as last year, if not better, since we started earlier this year,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Rickett, JBAB director of operations and event organizer. With military families constantly moving, Rickett explained that Operation Overcoat is a perfect way to get rid of unneeded coats and simultaneously give back to the surrounding community. “Almost every time you clean out your closet, you tend to find extra stuff,” he said. “Why not give it to people who can use it? It’s a good way to start the winter and help keep somebody warm.” The winter months can become extremely dangerous for anyone, but especially for the homeless who are unable to find a place to stay among the overcrowded D.C. shelters. Last winter, the northeast saw recordshattering temperatures and high-snow totals, and a similar weather is expected this winter
season, according to www.accuweather.com. The idea for the coat drive came from Rickett and his wife’s desire to simply help the needy. When asked why they organize the operation, Rickett replied, “Why not?” “The Security and Operations office is a community-service organization as it, provides fire rescue, security, safety, and emergency management on a daily basis to the JBAB community. This is just one more thing that we can do to help make the community a better place to live and grow,” he said. “It’s always good to help out the people that you serve,” Rickett added. “I hope we can continue to do this for years to come.” Operation Overcoat will continue through Dec. 12. Donation boxes are located at the JBAB Security Office, 421 Brookley Ave., and Fire Station One, 5 Brookley Ave. Drop-off is available 24/7.