TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River
Vol. 72, No. 16
NAS Pax River Appoints New Ombudsman Page 2
Sheriff Honors Pax Employee Page 3
Triton’s First Flight With Search Radar Page 4
Celebrating 72 Years of Community Partnership
April 23, 2015
Access Granted Scanners verify credentials before allowing entry through base gates Scanners verify credentials before allowing entry through base gates Common Reasons for ID Card Denial: • Forged credentials • ID card expired • Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database entry indicates card was previously reported lost/stolen • Employment has been terminated and ID card has not yet been returned to the government • Incorrect DEERS information.
A gate sentry scans the DOD identification card of a person entering the installation. The program is designed to enhance installation safety and security through electronic verification.
By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs
A
ccording to NAS Patuxent River security officials, the increased use of ID scans
boosts both safety and security aboard NAS Patuxent River and throughout the entire Navy. The scanning system allows immediate detection of fraudulent credentials and personnel
without authorized installation access. This is especially helpful in cases where an employee may have been fired, but kept his card, or in cases where a spouse got divorced, but retained a family mem-
ber’s identification card. If an ID is found to be invalid, the card may be confiscated by NAS Patuxent River Security Department personnel. Travelers without appropriate access credentials
are still required to obtain approved clearance from the Gate 2 Pass and ID office in Building 2189. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, except for certain Fridays in support of training.
If you believe your card may be denied, make an appointment online with the Personnel Support Detachment CAC and ID Office at https://rapidsappointments.dmdc.osd. mil/default.aspx.
Building energy monitors look to reduce waste
By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs
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AS Patuxent River hosted training for building energy monitors (BEMs) from across the installation April 21 at Building 2185. Pax is keeping a close watch on energy usage to mitigate waste and save money. Assigned in writing by commanding officers across the installation, BEMS play a central role in the Navy’s energy program by monitoring every building across NAS Patuxent River while communicating energy goals, encouraging positive habits, serving as points of contact, and ensuring buildings are running efficiently. “BEMs are essentially our
eyes and ears for the energy program,” said Karl Bryan, NAS Patuxent River energy manager. “We’ve empowered the BEMs to help create a strong energy culture and to focus on reducing energy intensity and water intensity. “BEMs also link the energy management program to each building and help provide facility managers and other leaders the tools and information to help NAS Patuxent River achieve mandated energy and water reduction goals,” Bryan said. According to the Navy and Marine Corps BEM Guide, utilities account for an average of 40 percent of shore operating budgets each year, with office electronic equipment, lighting and HVAC
Tips for decreasing consumption
equipment soaking up much of the power used. The guide notes small fixes, such as installing occupancy sensors, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, and reducing plug loads on electrical outlets as ways to save power and money. Personnel are encouraged to shut down computers and other office equipment during nights and weekends, as simply putting computers into sleep mode still draws power.
• Turn off your computer when not in use • Turn off printers, plotters, copy machines and any office equipment at end of day; end of week or during holiday times • Report heating or cooling issues to your BEM or facility coordinator. If you do not know who these people are, then ask your leadership to provide their contact details • Periodically check storage rooms and conference rooms that are not in use and shut off lights • If you see daylight around a door or window report it to your BEM or facility coordinator. “Having a person at the building level gives more insight into the day to day concerns and maintains focus on building specific problems related to energy/water waste,” Bryan explained. “The corrective action performed at building level is
tracked by the energy management team using an automated checklist on a share drive and monitoring service tickets and work input to Public Works Department.” BEMs are encouraged to regularly check in with building occupants and note any
problems that may arise if those thermostat temperatures rise beyond set points, causing inefficiency or discomfort for those working within the building. “In accordance with Naval District Washington’s energy policy statement, use of energy resources must be the daily drumbeat and priority for all hands at all times,” Bryan said. “The building level approach ensures that we have a person to address energy waste that is reflected in utility costs,” Bryan noted. “BEMs help foster a positive energy culture. This culture requires adherence and persistence in enforcing a new way of doing business.”