Joint Base Journal Vol. 3, No. 50
December 21, 2012
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J OINT BASE A NACOSTIA -B OLLING
www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab
Safety and security always a top priority at joint base BY JOSEPH P. CIRONE JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The safety and security of all personnel living, working or visiting Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) continues to be a top priority. “While we do not disclose specifics of our security procedures, the safety and security of all personnel is always paramount,” Joint Base Commander, Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra, said. JBAB, like other naval installations, utilizes multiple layers of security, enhanced by technological and intelligence assets. DOD police officers, Air Force and Navy Security Forces, K-9 military working dogs and other personnel, including military, civilian and contractor personnel, maintain vigilance on a daily basis, thwarting potential safety and security issues, before they become problems. On a daily basis, JBAB and its ex-
change, banking, food and personnel service facilities are frequented by other federal and local law enforcement, emergency service and military personnel, both in marked law enforcement vehicles, in uniform, plain clothes and in unmarked vehicles, adding another dimension to the base’s safety and security. Active shooter response – just part of the ongoing training Since the formation of JBAB two years ago, its security, emergency services, safety and other personnel have and continue to train in the proper response to an active shooter scenario - just one of the many training evolutions conducted on a routine basis, according to JBAB Training and Emergency Readiness Officer, Timothy Trammel. On Dec. 5, JBAB public safety and other JBAB personnel, along with many of the JBAB-based mission partner agencies and commands, participated in a full-scale exercise, simulating an aircraft crash.
The Navy’s nationwide Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain exercises and other routinely scheduled exercises, some lasting weeks, afford good opportunities for JBAB and its mission partners to exercise plans; hone their skills; and adapt new learning and skills to better prepare for any possible situation. The tragic active shooter event at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., is a reminder why JBAB’s aggressive security and emergency preparedness training program is vital. JBAB’s Operations Department and its embedded Security Services Division conduct evaluations of the preparedness and procedures at JBAB. The three Child Development Centers on the base are included in the evaluations. “Prior to the Newtown event, Child Development Center (CDC) personnel were trained to conduct security checks randomly throughout the day. That includes hands-on
identification and baggage checks, along with visual checks around the exterior of their facilities,” Joshua J. Gage, JBAB’s anti-terrorism and physical security officer, said. CDC staff members often partic-
ipate in training exercises, including the most recent Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain exercises.
See SECURITY, Page 4
Annual Christmas party a special time for local youth BY PAUL BELLO JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY PAUL BELLO
Young kids from various Ward 8 schools were all smiles Dec. 19, as they were treated to a Christmas party hosted by the Washington Metropolitan Police Seventh District. More photos from this event are available on pg. 6.
WASHINGTON – School children from all over Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8 were guests at a Christmas party in their honor Dec. 19 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Panorama Room. The annual gathering is hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Seventh District and includes the help of service members from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) and many other volunteer organizations. It has become a staple in the community for disadvantaged children living in southeast D.C.’s toughest and most economically challenged neighborhoods. The afternoon features a buffet style luncheon, a live DJ, dancing, singing and a chance for children to mingle with such celebrities as Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the
Grinch. Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived from the North Pole courtesy of a D.C. police helicopter. Lendia Johnson was this year’s community outreach coordinator for the event. She has been involved with the annual party since joining the D.C. police in 2004. In her experience, she can always count on the local community, as well as the military community, to lend a hand and make sure children have a party they will remember. “It means a lot to have a day just for these kids,” Johnson said. “To have everyone come together like this shows there are people who care and love them.” CS1 Tanya Johnson, of JBAB, was there helping kids decide what new sneakers to take home with them, which came courtesy of the nonprofit group Samaritans Feet. Johnson does a lot of volunteer work
throughout the year and particularly enjoys occasions where she can spend some time with children. “It’s a great feeling being able to give back to your community and help a young boy or girl out, especially around the holiday season,” Johnson said. “A party like this means so much and is a lot of fun for them, as well as the adults that are here.” Lt. Nick Lajoie, executive officer at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Washington on JBAB, was also there volunteering his time. He was joined by 10 of his fellow Coast Guardsmen who sorted toys into bags for children to take home. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Coast Guard Station to give back to the local community,” Lajoie said. “It’s also great to partner with other branches of the military and to work with D.C. police. It’s been a blast for us.” Lt. Celina Ladyga, commander
INSIDE Wreaths Across America Page 5
Annual Christmas Party Page 6
Washington Capital player meets deployed troops Page 7
of USCG Station Washington, added it was a priority this year to give crew members at the station an opportunity to volunteer around the community. She hopes to partner with more organizations on base and build on this experience for next year. “We certainly will be doing more things like this in the near future. We have already reached out to the D.C. soup kitchen and plan on doing volunteer work with them in the New Year,” Ladyga said. “We’re really looking forward to that. We’re also very thankful to be involved in this year’s Christmas party with the Metropolitan Police. It’s been a great experience for us.” The party concluded shortly after several boys and girls bicycles were raffled off to some lucky youngsters. The bikes came courtesy of Metropolitan Police and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.