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    Hunkering Down - Troopers take precautions, prepare GTMO for hurricane season

    Troopers take precautions, prepare GTMO for hurricane season

    Photo By Lorne Neff | Master Sgt. Albert Rockhold, Joint Task Force Guantanamo logistics warehouse...... read more read more

    NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

    07.12.2013

    Story by Sgt. 1st Class Gina Vaile-Nelson 

    Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

    NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - When Tropical Storm Chantal churned towards Cuba earlier this week, the Joint Task Force Guantanamo operations center and logistics division kicked into full-steam-ahead preparations to protect the Troopers, JTF civilians and detainees who work and live within the JTF-GTMO, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

    “Right now, we’re preparing for this storm, but we are prepared for the long term too,” said Master Sgt. Albert Rockhold, J4 warehouse noncommissioned officer in charge, 177th Military Police Brigade.

    “The hurricane season runs from June to November, so we are prepared to do what we have to do to make sure the Troopers are safe,” he said.

    On July 9-10, Rockhold and other logisticians from throughout the JTF moved pallets of water, Meals Ready to Eat, cots and other provisions to ensure Troopers are ready for the worst.

    Rockhold and his soldiers moved shelter-in-place packages throughout Camp America and other locations in anticipation of the storm. The packages are meant to sustain personnel for three days.

    “I’ve been using my two trucks to help get water, MREs, flashlights, trash bags and other general supplies that are going to be needed if we shelter in place or evacuate to certain areas,” said Sgt. Lindsay Hruska, J4 administrative noncommissioned officer and Camp America commandant, 177th MP Bde.

    “We’ve had rehearsals for weather disasters,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve had to load up the supplies and take it to places.”
    Ruska said that even if Chantal turns or loses strength before reaching Guantanamo Bay, the movement of the thousands of pounds of supplies was a good test of the JTF’s abilities.

    “It’s good that we go through this process,” she said. “Even if the storm avoids us all together, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
    And while the JTF J4 has bases covered with shelter areas, it is up to individual Troopers to also remain prepared.

    In the event that Troopers are required to evacuate to a designated shelter, food and water will be provided. But Troopers must come prepared with three-days-worth of clothing, hygiene products, medicine and comfort items.

    “Troopers must bring their JTF Badge and their military I.D.,” said 1st Lt. Edward B. Thompson, JTF chief meteorologist.

    He said it is a good idea to pack a bag or backpack with your gear, have a pillow and sleeping bag or blanket ready for quick movement.

    “We’ve had everything from a tropical storm to a category 3 hurricane,” he said.

    “In your spare time, I would definitely advise coming up to speed on your knowledge about hurricanes and find out as much as you can because you are in the midst of hurricane season,” he said.

    “It’s most important to listen to your chain of command,” he said.

    “Listen to your leadership and take all of their instructions.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.12.2013
    Date Posted: 07.15.2013 12:24
    Story ID: 110210
    Location: NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CU
    Hometown: FLINT, MI, US
    Hometown: TAYLOR, MI, US

    Web Views: 151
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN