Captain’s Column

A wise old Chief Gunners-mate once told me, “Good security is inconvenient.” Security forces are predominantly reactionary in nature. We can’t control when a crisis or emergency will happen.

They respond to incidents as they occur, whenever they occur. The opposition, bad guys, can act when they so choose, they don’t have to succeed all the time. Security is under a different light; we want them to succeed 100 percent of the time.

We recently had a couple of incidents occur here at NASCC that have tested the procedures and responses of our security forces, and our Fire and Emergency Services. In my opinion they performed exceptionally well in keeping with our primary goal…maintaining the safety and security of those who live and work aboard NASCC. We constantly train to situations that we hope will never occur, over the last few weeks, we’ve seen proof positive that our training is paying off.

With respect to training, understand that when we do conduct training, we are very, very careful to consider location and time of day to avoid both high traffic times and impeding our tenant’s mission. As you can probably imagine, my security forces are too busy handling normal traffic during the daily “CCAD 500” to conduct a drill or exercise event.

Last week, we had to close the Main/ South Gate due to a potentially dangerous issue with a tractor trailer at the Commercial Vehicle Inspection (CVI) gate. The situation triggered the evacuation of the CVI and Pass & Tag, and setting a safety perimeter.

That perimeter encompassed the Main Gate, resulting in the shutdown of inbound and outbound traffic.

Of course, Murphy’s Law had this occur during the “CCAD 500.”

The sheer volume of traffic being directed out the North Gate required every available security force member not involved with the CVI vehicle and safety perimeter.

Our primary concern, outside of dealing with the truck in CVI, became traffic flow out and coordinating with the Flour Bluff school system for the safe arrival of busses to avoid delays and ease the concern of parents.

As with any event, a key component is the lessons learned. Based on the lessons from that day, I would request personnel not involved with the situation to remain patient and follow the direction of the security force personnel.

Remember, the security department’s primary goal is your safety and security.

They do not have time to explain the situation to every individual who drives by their station.

As time allows, we will provide as much information as is needed as possible through the appropriate channels.

Additionally, I would ask everyone to please be careful with what they post on social media.

Photos and videos of traffic at the gates could provide our adversaries with crucial information who would seek to do harm to the base and our personnel.

Likewise, comments to posts, even those only ‘speculating’ on the Security Force actions, could be used against us.

At the end of the day, we were able to clear the scene and reopen the gate by 5:15 p.m.

I do understand folks were delayed, but our actions couldn’t be avoided, we were posed with a situation and we reacted correctly and appropriately.

Like the old Gunner said… “Good security is inconvenient.”

While many of you were inconvenienced, everyone made it home safe.

Thank you for your patience, and I’ll see you around the base.