Sigonella Swordfish
All Officers' Spouses Club
Travel Feature
Bring their A-Game to Southern Divisionals
Hosts Children's Book Drive for MWR Library
A Weekend in Slovenia
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
PAGES 8-9
FEBRUARY 23, 2018
Vol. 35 No. 7
NAS Sigonella Conducts CBRNE Drill by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – It started off as a normal Tuesday for Logistics Specialist Seaman Dylan Capaldi. While working at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella post office, Feb. 20, on NAS 2, Capaldi came across an open package carrying a white substance. When he investigated further he realized it was too late. “Everybody get out!” Capaldi yelled. The post office was evacuated as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) drill kicked off. The CBRNE exercise simulated a biological agent attack in the post office to test the reaction time and protocol for Security, Fire, Medical, and NAVSUP Sailors. “This event is a realistic scenario when dealing with mail, and it’s something that we need to train on,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Christopher Strehl, NAS 1 Post Office Leading Chief Petty Officer. “There’s no better way to train than to just do it and build that muscle memory.” Along with training the Sailors in the post office on proper evacuation procedures and containment policy, Security Sailors practiced putting on their new HAZMAT equipment and CBRNE procedures. “It was difficult at first, remembering all of the steps of how to put the suit on, but it was definitely a good learning experience,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Antoinette Howell, the Security first responder in the drill. “With this training I can pass on tips and tricks to newer personnel so they can don the gear in a timely manner.” For many Sailors, this was the first time using the new equipment in a CBRNE scenario. “To actually do this, don the gear, and go through the motions on how to react for a biological attack is very important,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Brandon Ji, CBRNE Specialist. “They did a great job during this exercise but there is always room for small improvements.” After the Security personnel made sure the area was clear, fire services were dispatched to the scene. Fire fighters laid down a red tarp and extended the hose on their truck to create a decontamination sta-
SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 20, 2018) – Fire fighters set up a decontamination station outside of the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella post office during a biological weapons attack drill onboard NAS Sigonella. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
tion right outside the building, to help anyone that was exposed to the “anthrax.” “NAS Sigonella’s training teams plan, brief, execute and debrief regular integrated exercises to test our CBRNE and emergency management plans,” said Chris “Frog” Steinnecker, Installation Training Officer for NAS Sigonella. “These exercises allow our tenants, fire responders, security forces, medical and incident management personnel to practice command, control and communications with the goal of improving our readiness to respond to and
SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 20, 2018) – Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Antoinette Howell, wearing a HAZMAT suit, maintains a perimeter around the post office during a biological weapons attack drill onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
recover from potential attacks and natural disasters.” NAS Sigonella, “The Hub of the Med”, is a U.S. Navy installation and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. NAS Sigonella is the Navy’s second largest security command, second only to that located at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Because of its location near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, NASSIG is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.
SIGONELLA, Sicily (February 20, 2018) – Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Antoinette Howell isolates post office workers and customers during a biological weapons attack drill to determine if they need to be quarantined onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)