July 26, 2019
3
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding AtHoc Alert Messages: Someone needs to take away the AtHoc button. They are seriously misusing the system. “We are changing the traffic flow on NAS I.” “Wait. Scratch that, never mind.” “Wait. Sorry, scratch that again. We decided we are, so never mind to the never mind.” My favorite was the day we had neverending the thunderstorm warnings. “T-Storm warning in effect until 1000.” (The sun is out) “T-Storm warning extended till 1400. (It hasn’t rained all day) “T-Storm warning extended till forever.” Do these people live in a hole? Then there are the Mondays where I come back to work and more than half of new emails I’ve gotten are AtHoc emails. Y’all are like the boy who cried wolf. I sincerely doubt that anyone would believe the AtHoc if there was an actual real life situation. Active Shooter? It’s just another exercise, AGAIN. Oh wait - that one doesn’t say exercise on it... is it real? I clicked off of mine, what does it say on your computer? That’s exactly what happened on 12 June. Are we still locked down? I don’t know - what did your message say? I got a text, but you got an email and they say two different things. I thought that the system was for emergency situations and critical information. 99% of the messages I have received have been worthless. Stop the madness!! Response: Thank you for shedding light on our emergency AtHoc notification system. Unlike other forms of official base communication, this system has the capability of reaching all personnel attached to NAS Sig—service members and dependents. Because of its wide reach, it’s a critical component of our emergency management communication. I urge everyone who thinks they might have an issue with their AtHoc account, or dependents who would like to register for an account, to reach out to the emergency management team at W-SI-NASSIGEMERGMGMT-STAFF-GS@fe.navy.mil. Regarding the frequency that we issue AtHoc notifications, my philosophy is that it is always better to over communicate rather than under communicate. The system is in place to keep you safe and informed, period. While you are free to disagree, I do not consider what you
describe to be an abuse of the system. Our emergency management team sends the majority of AtHoc messages with input from other departments such as security and public works. Recently, our security department underwent a major assessment and was conducting drills that required AtHoc notifications. As with all drills, these messages are clearly identified with the information “EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE” to indicate that there is a not a real-world emergency. But even when receiving an “EXERCISE” AtHoc message, all personnel should take them seriously and thoroughly read the message to determine what action items, if any, are necessary. Other times, AtHoc messages may be released to indicate other urgent situations, such as drinking water bans/ restorations or urgent ECP changes. Again, this information is critical for your awareness and safety. Please take the time to read each message and determine if there are action items you need to take. Regarding weather alerts specifically, remember that NAS Sigonella is an operational air station. Flight line operations and safety personnel need this information to make informed operational decisions, including how and when it is safe to re-fuel or arm aircraft. The emergency management team has coordinated with the local flight planning office to issue T-1 severe weather alerts, which include lightning/thunder within 10 nautical miles, torrential rain, hail, severe downbursts, and sudden wind shifts. Keep in mind that our proximity to Mt. Etna means that weather on or around the mountain may trigger these alerts, so even when it may appear sunny here at Sig there is significant dangerous weather in close proximity to the installation. Any of these situations will trigger a T-1 alert. Again, I am not inclined to change how the AtHoc notification system is used. The messages are issued to keep you safe and informed. If, after reading a message, you determine that no action is required or the message doesn’t specifically apply to you, simply ignore the guidance. You can be assured that the information provided in AtHoc is applicable to someone on the base, and it is critical that they get that information. Comment Regarding NAS I Pool Hours: The base has received several comments about the new lap swim hours at the NAS I Splashers pool. Specifically, the "ICE" cont’d on Page 13
THE SIGNATURE
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers
MC2 Joshua Coté joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil GMSN Rashond Grant rashond.grant@navy.mil CONTACT US
Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001
This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.
