From the Base Energy Manager Water Conservation Tips
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Theft
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Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim
Calendar of Events
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 33
NAS Sigonella’s Incident Management Team Conducts Emergency Response Exercise By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jessica Vargas
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Incident Management Team (IMT) tested their ability to support the recovery and response efforts of an aircraft mishap during an exercise Aug. 31. The drill scenario involved a gear up emergency landing of a C-26 Fairchild aircraft. While the role of NAS Sigonella’s first responders such as security, medical and fire emergency personnel is to provide immediate response and control the scene of an emergency, the role of EOC-IMT personnel is to manage the incident from the EOC which is the command and control point for response and recovery efforts. “Response time is critical,” said John Smithgall, NAS Sigonella’s Fire Department Chief. “With aircraft incidents, the worst can happen within the first few minutes. The support EOC IMT personnel provide to first responders on the scene of an emergency is vital, and training like this helps ensure both on and off scene response efforts are automatic. It should be muscle memory.” To remain prepared, IMT must continue to learn, train, and develop expertise in response operations. “Training like this helps ensure we are prepared to provide an organized and streamlined response before an incident ever occurs,” said Hull Technician 2nd Class Corbin Cooney, emergency management training team member. “It’s exercises like these that help emergency management identify and fix any problem areas, and not trying to figure it out during a real world emergency.” In addition to supporting initial re-
Sicily (Aug. 31, 2017) - Members of NAS Sigonella's Incident Management Team coordinate response and recovery efforts in the emergency operations center during an aircraft mishap exercise. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jessica Vargas/Released)
sponse efforts during an aircraft mishap emergency, the IMT coordinates long term response efforts and works to ensure the base’s air operations return to full mission capabilities. A key line of operation for Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia Air Operations is, along with the seven other lines of operations of security, port operations, safety, housing, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), Fleet and
Fleet and Family services, and the core. These lines are what enable the installations to ensure U.S. and allied forces are able to conduct the full spectrum of operations throughout the region. “Our IMT must be prepared for any disaster that happens on the base,” said Beth Bruner, emergency management officer. “The IMTs number one priority is responding to assist personnel and second is determining the impact to
mission. We need to make sure that air operations and critical missions continue.” The EOC is always on standby and can be fully activated an engaged in emergency response at a moment’s notice. The IMT sections include recovery, medical, environmental, operations, planning, safety, legal, administration, logistics, finance and public affairs.
CNIC Encourages Sailors, Families to Prepare for Emergencies From Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Commander, Navy Installations Command's (CNIC) Ready Navy Program educates Sailors and their families on how to be prepared when an emergency occurs. This year's overall theme is "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can." Each week in September will have a focused theme: Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends; Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community; Practice and Build Out Your Plans; and Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger.
"National Preparedness Month educates us all to be informed, make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed, not just for a month, but every day," said Jeff Sanford, CNIC emergency management specialist. "Ready Navy provides a road map and creates a state of mind for Navy personnel and families to be and stay prepared for any potential hazard throughout the year - something leadership takes very seriously." Ready Navy is a proactive Navy-wide emergency preparedness, public awareness program. It is designed for the Navy community, to increase the ability of every person and family on or near Navy installations to meet today's
challenges head on and plan and prepare for all types of hazards, ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to terrorist attacks. By exploring the links on the Ready Navy site, you will: * Be informed of potential hazards and what to do before, during, and after an emergency, * Understand the steps to make an emergency plan that includes what to do, where to go, and what to take with you, * Learn to build a kit to support basic needs for a minimum of three days, and * Access tools and resources to help you and your family prepare for emergency situations that could arise at any time with no warning.
Navy Personnel and families are strongly encouraged to strengthen emergency planning at home, as well as at work, by reading and following the tips and information found at www.Ready. Navy.mil. For more information on how to prepare for any disaster, visit http://www.ready.navy.mil. Ready Navy is a CNIC-sponsored emergency preparedness program. Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 53,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations,
maintenance and quality of life programs to sustain the Navy's fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy. mil/local/cni/.