Naval Hospital Pensacola conducts Auxiliary Security Force Academy

Photo By Jason Bortz | Navy Lt. Jo Ann Martinez, licensed clinical social worker, Naval Hospital Pensacola, is one of two social workers assigned to NHP. The role of Naval Social Workers has grown over the years from combating operational stress to helping patients establish healthy behaviors such as weight loss, tobacco cessation and sleep hygiene.  

AL, UNITED STATES

02.25.2013

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class James Stenberg 

NMRTC Pensacola

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- On Feb. 15, 13 sailors graduated from Naval Hospital Pensacola’s first Auxiliary Security Force Academy. ASF personnel are active duty service members that augment base security personnel during contingencies, natural disasters, civil disturbances, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security.

In the past, NHP has sent ASF candidates to Naval Air Station Pensacola. With the addition of personnel qualified to teach the course, NHP’s Security Department was able to coordinate and conduct its own ASF academy. During the course, students were taught multiple facets of anti-terrorism and law enforcement practices and got exposure to non-lethal weapons, firearms, rules and regulations, tactics, use of force and military jurisdiction.

“During our academy, the candidates go through a two-week course training them on the basic knowledge of law enforcement and anti-terrorism force protection,” said Master at Arms 2nd Class, Alexander Humulock, with NHP’s Security Department. “The candidates are put through a series of tests and situations to evaluate their performance and give them a feel for stressful real world scenarios they might encounter.”

“They learn tactical team movement, take downs and personnel and vehicle inspections,” said Master at Arms 3rd Class Arlicia Litt, with NHP’s Security Department. “They went to the range and shot the M9 [Beretta 9mm semiautomatic pistol] and the M500 [Mossberg 500 shotgun]. Members also endured the dreaded OC [Pepper spray] course.”

The OC course is composed of five stations that test your combat mindset and ability during a complete sensory overload. During the course, individuals must be able to properly demonstrate basic Mechanical Advantage Control Hold (MACH) takedown techniques, correctly carry an expandable baton and use it to perform striking techniques for self-defense and show the ability to secure an active subject.

“It’s not so much the pain of the spray, it’s that you don’t know what to expect,” said Information Systems Technician Seaman Recruit Paul Harding, of Joshua, Texas, and an ASF volunteer. “The anxiety, the fear of the unknown; you just don’t know how you’re going to handle it.”

Even though the training revolves around force protection measures, ASF can be utilized for multiple situations.

“During a natural disaster such as a hurricane [in the recovery phase], there might be a large number of folks trying to access the hospital to get help, which could easily inundate our staff and create unsafe conditions,” said Capt. Maureen Padden, commanding officer, Naval Hospital Pensacola. “Having these additional folks can help bolster our ability to maintain a safe environment.”

One of the most unique aspects of ASF is that it’s a completely volunteer duty. Any member of the command can request to go ASF, but being a part of the ASF does not excuse anyone from the normal jobs.

“Our ASF personnel all have day jobs doing other duties. They come from any rating that works in the hospital, not just corpsman. They volunteer to learn a collateral duty that is both challenging and rewarding. They don't get extra pay, but they do get my respect and admiration for stepping up to serve the Navy's needs,” said Padden.

• Date Taken: 02.25.2013
• Date Posted: 02.25.2013 11:45
• Story ID: 102500
• Location: AL, US