Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Vann | Army Sgt. Ricardo Gonzalez, a driver for the Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Joint...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Sometimes it seems like the media is the only source of information people back home have about Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Although the media do visit here and report on the detention mission, other visitors come to the JTF for many different reasons and it is the Joint Visitors Bureau's responsibility to make sure those visitors get on-island and have the opportunity to see the entire spectrum of operations.
"It's our mission to make sure that visitors get a clear picture of what JTF Guantanamo is all about and to communicate to them the safe and transparent way we conduct our mission," said Maj. Victor Perez, the officer in charge of the JVB.
The JVB coordinates visits of the JTF for distinguished guests such as congressional delegations, non-governmental agencies and various military and governmental groups. The bureau coordinates approximately 100 visits each year. Each group is made of different people who have different reasons for visiting the JTF. In a recent week, for instance, the JVB hosted tours for the Virgin Islands National Guard, U.S. Southern Command and federal law enforcement representatives. Some come for information or fact-finding, others come to visit the service members here.
"All of the people who visit here have a certain sector of the community that they can reach and spread the message of what we do," said Perez.
Whatever the reason for the visit, the JTF JVB is informed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense of upcoming visits and is then responsible for coordinating that visit, from creating the itinerary to making sure proper accommodations are provided. Depending on the reason for the visit, the JVB will tailor the schedule to meet the needs of the visitors. For example, a group of visiting jurists may spend longer touring the Expeditionary Legal Complex. Each itinerary will differ depending on a group's timeline and needs.
Recently, the JVB assisted with the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, the largest tour of its kind that seeks to provide civilian public opinion leaders with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of military and national defense issues. The tour this year came through U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay because of its unique joint missions. To coordinate a tour of that size took a great deal of unique joint missions. To coordinate a tour of that size took a great deal of planning and communication.
"Good communication is key," said Perez. "You have to let people know in advance what needs to be done."
The team has seen an increase in visits since President Obama announced his decision to close the detention centers by Jan. 2010. Immediately after the announcement, high-level officials such as the Secretary of the Navy and the U.S. Attorney General came to help make decisions on how to proceed.
"The tempo has increased since the executive order and we expect that it will continue to increase as we approach the deadline," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Nydia Garcia, the JVB non-commissioned officer-in-charge.
Personnel with the JVB are responsible for coordinating transportation for the tours including boat rides from leeward side to windward side of the island and bus transportation. They also coordinate meals and provide the visitors with sun block, rain protection and other essentials while they are here.
The JVB is comprised of about 5-6 members who have a large order to fill in terms of transportation and personnel requirements. A lot of their additional assistance comes from other sections of the JTF such as the personnel, supply and communications offices for additional vehicles and staff. Coast Guardsmen from the Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101 provide the water transportation for most tours.
Garcia makes it clear, not just anyone can be a driver for the JVB. Drivers must be professional and receive special training on military customs and courtesies. They also may be required to work extra hours. The drivers are with the visitors for the majority of the trip and must have an intimate knowledge of the base and portray a professional image at all times.
"Here, sometimes it's as simple as knowing how to pass the bumps on the road," said Garcia.
It's the simple things, such as a smooth ride or friendly attitude and the small details like a hot cup of coffee and a clean vehicle that JVB strives for. At the beginning of each tour, visitors receive a command briefing to go over the mission of the JTF; in that briefing, the visitors' seats are marked with their names.
"They walk in and their name is there," said Navy Lt. Jonathan Ryan, the JVB deputy director. "Addressing these types of details help ensure a successful visit."
The JVB provides visitors with a look at what the JTF is and how the service members here perform their mission. Regardless of who the visitors are or their reason for coming to Guantanamo, the service members strive to display professionalism and, above all, respect.
"It doesn't matter who they are," said Perez. "We treat them with the same respect."
For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.05.2009 08:55 |
| Story ID: | 39673 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 261 |
| Downloads: | 239 |
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