GTMO Gears Up For National Night Out

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - A community outreach program held each year by law enforcement authorities in cities across the United States is set for Aug. 3 at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The GTMO community will be celebrating the 27th National Night Out with special events and cookouts.

National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is a year-long community building campaign.

The event helps bring the community together for a common purpose.

“National Night Out [NNO] is a Program set on promoting police-community partnerships, crime, drug and violence prevention, safety, promoting energy efficiency, and building community unity,” said Master at Arms 1st Class Henry Alderete attached to the NAVSTA GTMO Security Department.


“NNO is an important event because it creates an opportunity for all personnel in our community to stand up as one against any illegal activity,” said Alderete. “When you come to our National Night Out celebration you will see many faces from various branches of military and civilian service, but all with a common goal and united voice speaking out against crime, stating to the bad guy "Not in our neighborhood.”

During the event, community members will be provided with information on crime prevention and staying safe. They will also have the opportunity to interact with the base’s emergency first responders.

“Here in GTMO we are blessed with numerous entities that play a very important role in the management of our installation,” said Alderete, “This event creates an opportunity for all entities in our community to educate each other on the various services they provide.”

During the NNO event, the GTMO community will find plenty of activities to enjoy.

“We are looking forward to having numerous booths, displays, informational handouts, and demonstrations being provided by our endless list of volunteers,” said Alderete.

The community will have an opportunity to meet with a wide variety of the GTMO community’s key players in crises management and emergency first response. Some of the organizations providing support for NNO include the NAVSTA Security Department, Marine Corps Security Force Company GTMO, Navy Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, GTMO Fire Department, NAVSTA GTMO’s Brig, the Child Youth Program and USNH GTMO.

There will also be entertainment events provided.

“MWR is providing bouncy houses, the rock wall, and have food and beverages for purchase,” said Alderete,” There will be a parade for the whole community to observe. Radio GTMO volunteered and will broadcast live. There will also be a concert featuring the band "Retread" who volunteered for this event.”

National Night Out will be held on August 3 from 7:00p.m. until 9:00pm at the Downtown Lyceum. The parade leading up to NNO will begin at 4:30 p.m. The event is free of charge to attend and the entire GTMO community is invited.