Interactive Customer Evaluation

Comment Regarding MWR:

I recently received several complaints about a recent policy change that led to the ending of ballet lessons on base by an Italian instructor. Please allow me to explain why this change, while regrettable, was necessary.

Response:

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on the recent difficult decision to end outsidevendor ballet lessons on base. This followed an extensive legal review conducted by base and region counsel who determined that in order to meet the obligations of Department of Defense instruction 1402.05, all vendors must have background checks in order to work with children on base. These checks are critical to ensure that any vendors that care for and work with our children are thoroughly vetted. Unfortunately, we have no ability to conduct background checks for local nationals that are not directly employed by the U.S. government. Therefore, we could not legally continue the vendor’s provision of services on base.

I truly empathize with the families who participated in the well-reviewed ballet program, but I also have an obligation and responsibility to operate within DoD regulations. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our children.

For any future suggestions about MWR programs, please feel free to reach out to the MWR Director, Courtney Silvestre, at DSN 624-0503 / COMM 095-56-0503 or courtney. silvestre@eu.navy.mil.

Comment Regarding Abandoned Vehicles and Safety Inspections:

I wish to bring your attention to three things:

1. The amount of abandoned cars at the gym parking. There are at least 10 cars that have been parked there for months, no exaggeration. Can Security make them move? I am sure they notice these vehicles on their routes.

2. The safety of the cars on the base. There are so many cars with obvious safety violations that are dangerous to them and others. For example, bumpers hanging loose, cracked windshields, and tape and bungee cords holding car hoods down. Very unsafe. These cars are driven through the gates every day and no one says anything. The safety inspections at the Autoport is also a joke. Please review this for our safety. 3. The pass office at NAS I. When I brought my guest here, I was embarrassed at the condition of the entrance. The area was filled with trash and cigarette butts. That seems like a simple fix that will make our community better.

Response:

Thank you for taking the time to submit your comments about various aspects of vehicle and access policies. There is a lot to unpack here, so let me address your concerns individually.

1. Abandoned Vehicles

Current policy regarding vehicle parking is addressed in NASSIGINST 5114.1I. Failure to adhere to guidelines subjects the owner to curtailment or revocation of driving privileges on NASSIG, towing of POV at owner’s expense, removal of the privilege to utilize the resale lot, and/or POV disposal without owner consent. Specifically, this instruction prohibits members from parking POVs on the installation for more than 96 hours without prior approval. After that, it is considered an abandoned vehicle. Security personnel conduct periodic sweeps of parking structures and lots looking for abandoned vehicles.

Exceptions for long-term parking of vehicles are outlined in NASSIGINST 4525.2C, which allows members to park POVs in a designated area for the purpose of resale. The parking garage you reference, NAS II Bldg. 555, (second level, first 15 outer parking spots facing west) is one of two authorized sites on base where authorized individuals may park POVs for extended periods of time for the sole purpose of soliciting its sale. The other is on NAS I, at the Mitscher Road parking lot. Individuals must apply to use the resale lots through the Pass and Identification Office at NAS I or II. As a reminder, only operational vehicles (i.e., vehicles which can move under their own power) owned by individuals authorized to have a POV may use the resale lot.

2. Vehicle Safety Inspections

I have received some complaints recently about the quality of the vehicle safety inspections. In response, NEX management has conducted a safety audit to ensure that safety inspections are conducted effectively. In addition, I have also directed security forces to look out for vehicles that have obvious safety violations. If they determine that a vehicle has a potential safety deficiency, they can direct the vehicle owner to complete an additional unscheduled inspection of that vehicle.

As an overview on regulations, NAVSUPPACT instruction 11240.19 and NASSIGINST 5514.3 require that all AFI-plated vehicles undergo a mechanical and safety inspection by personnel certified and designated by the installation commander. Currently, the Autoport on NAS II fills that role. Ultimately though, no different than living in CONUS, members are responsible for the safety of their own vehicles. Everyone should regularly inspect their vehicle and complete repairs as they are needed. Any vehicle that fails to pass a safety inspection cannot be registered or sold until the discrepancies are corrected. If after 30 calendar days the vehicle has not passed inspection, the sponsor must provide the MVRO director proof that parts are on order. After 90 calendar days, the sponsor must dispose of the vehicle through local scrapping procedures. If circumstances prevent you from completing a timely inspection, you can request an exception to policy waiver.

Safety inspections are required at the following times and frequencies depending on the age of the vehicle:

• Less than four years old: Required upon initial registration and again once the vehicle reaches four years of age. Then bi-annually.

• Four to six years old: Required upon initial registration and then bi-annually.

• Vehicles over six years old: Required upon initial registration and then on an annual basis.

• Upon transfer of title to another eligible AFI-privileged person. The inspection must occur within the past two months in order to complete the transfer.

For further questions or concerns, please contact the NEX Autoport at DSN 624-2814 / COMM 095-86-2814. 3. NAS II Pass and ID Office Thank you for bringing my attention to the cleanliness of the Pass and ID office. We are taking extra steps to ensure that this office in particular, which is often the first encounter with our installation, maintains a professional appearance.