2 minute read
Souda Spotlight: Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kirk Thomas - Visitor Control Center, Security Department
Story and photo by MC2 Kelly Agee, Public Affairs
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Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kirk Thomas, a native of Queens, N.Y, has been in the Navy for 11 years and stationed at NSA Souda Bay since December 2019. He joined the Navy because he wanted to travel the world. Currently, he works as the Security Department's Visitor Control Center supervisor, ensuring day-to-day operations are running smoothly so that Team Souda members and authorized visiting personnel don’t have problems accessing the base.
What is a typical day in the VCC?
Throughout the day, our shop is processing hundreds of names for base access requests. We deal with access to NSA Souda Bay, Marathi NATO Pier Facility, the Mobile Mine Assembly Group (the Hellenic Air Force’s storage unit known as MOMAG) and the NATO Missile Firing Installation. We also deal with all the vehicle registrations on base. We constantly have people coming in trying to get five-day passes for their vehicles, learning how to purchase vehicles, registering new vehicles with the base and asking us how to ship them out.
How is paperwork tracked at the VCC?
We keep track of everything in our database on the computer, which keeps a digital record of all the personnel on base. This makes everything a lot simpler, so we don’t have to continuously go back and forth to a file cabinet. We also have all the access numbers in the system. They are all in numerical order so that it is a quick search in case anyone forgets their number. But, we also keep the paper trail as well.
What is your favorite thing about working in the VCC?
I like working with local nationals. I am slowly learning Greek, but only know my colors right now. The local nationals are great, they feed me a lot. They also help me with shopping out in town. This helped especially during the lock down when everything was ordered off the phone or online, they would show me where to go or talk to a person in Greek.
How did you get assigned to the VCC?
I had good leadership that saw I was ready for more responsibilities. Then, the first class that was here picked up Chief so they needed someone to fill in the spot, so they recommended me.
When you're not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I like to get out and drive around the island to clear my mind. We are here in Greece with beautiful views everywhere. Also, there is something about driving; you are by yourself, free of anything and all you are doing is focusing on the road. Say you have a good playlist going, it helps you escape. It is a great stress relief.
Where do you like to drive?
I just drive, I go from one point to another, get out the car and take the view in for a bit. Then I say to myself, “let’s go somewhere else,” next thing I know I’ve driven for three hours. It is a getaway from a getaway. One of my favorites is the drive up to Heraklion. It is a beautiful drive up there, the views of the water are amazing.
What is something you want Team Souda to know about the VCC?
Have patience because we are dealing with constant change, especially with COVID. Sometimes the changes happen in the same day and we have to say, “Hey, we are enforcing this.” Understand we are trying to get the job done and help you.
