WASHINGTON - The safety and security of all personnel living, working or visiting Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) continues to be a top priority.
“While we do not disclose specifics of our security procedures, the safety and security of all personnel is always paramount,” Joint Base Commander, Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra, said.
JBAB, like other naval installations, utilizes multiple layers of security, enhanced by technological and intelligence assets.
DOD Police Officers, Air Force and Navy Security Forces, K-9 military working dogs and other personnel, including military, civilian and contractor personnel, maintain vigilance on a daily basis, thwarting potential safety and security issues, before they become problems.
On a daily basis, JBAB and its exchange, banking, food and personnel service facilities are frequented by other federal and local law enforcement, emergency service and military personnel, both in marked law enforcement vehicles and in uniform and in unmarked vehicles and in plain clothes, adding another dimension to the base’s safety and security.
Active shooter response – just part of the ongoing training
Since the formation of JBAB two years ago, its security, emergency services, safety and other personnel have, and continue to, train in the proper response to an active shooter scenario - just one of the many training evolutions conducted on a routine basis, according to JBAB Training and Emergency Readiness Officer, Timothy Trammel.
On Dec. 5, JBAB public safety and other JBAB personnel, along with many of the JBAB-based Mission Partner agencies and commands, participated in a full-scale exercise, simulating an aircraft crash.
The Navy’s nationwide Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain exercises and other routinely scheduled exercises, some lasting weeks, afford good opportunities for JBAB and its Mission Partners to exercise plans; hone their skills; and adapt new learning and skills, to better prepare for any possible situation.
The tragic active shooter event at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., is a reminder why JBAB’s aggressive security and emergency preparedness training program is vital.
JBAB’s Operations Department and its embedded Security Services Division conduct evaluations of the preparedness and procedures at JBAB. The three Child Development Centers on the base are included in the evaluations.
“Prior to the Newtown event, Child Development Center (CDC) personnel were trained to conduct security checks randomly throughout the day. That includes hands-on identification and baggage checks, along with visual checks around the exterior of their facilities,” Joshua J. Gage, JBAB’s antiterrorism and physical security officer, said.
CDC staff members often participate in training exercises, including the most recent Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain exercises.
“In addition to other measures, security patrols routinely conduct random checks of all buildings and parking areas on the base, during work and non-working hours,” Gage reported.
See Something, Say Something; Use 202-433-3333 for emergencies
“The ‘See Something, Say Something’ methodology is one of our greatest tools for the safety and security of our installation and the surrounding community,” said Gage.
All workers, residents and guests can report anything they deem suspicious to the JBAB Law Enforcement Desk, 24 hours per day, by calling: 202-767-5000. All reports are welcomed and highly encouraged.
Just one piece of information, even seemingly small or unimportant, can provide great information upon which JBAB and other authorities can act and prevent something negative from happening.
Often one piece of information can be linked to other information already known. Together, the information provides important details and can significantly help in preventing or stopping an event that threatens the safety or security of the base or its people.
To report any police, fire or medical emergency on the installation, call: 202-433-3333 (not 9-1-1, as that will delay an emergency response).
Gage continued, “JBAB’s continuing training and various security measures are just a part of the proactive stance maintained at the base. Having individuals report anything that they feel looks suspicious, is another important component in the overall safety and security plan. Reports from individuals are a true force multiplier, giving us many more eyes on the base at any given time.”
“The involvement of our workers, resident and visitors; ongoing training and realistic exercises and drills; along with the integrated defenses and proactive measures that JBAB incorporates are the best protection against any threat against our installation,” Gage concluded.