NAS Pensacola Security, First Responders Conduct Training Exercise
By Lt. Cmdr. Mike Smith, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Navy Security Forces and first responders conducted an active shooter training exercise Aug. 12 at the air station’s headquarters building.
Designed to prepare security forces, first responders, command leadership and base personnel to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an actual threat, training scenarios are critical to the ongoing mission, according to NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra ‘Mamasan’ Newman.
“We train the future of the Navy, and the safety of the service members, civilian employees and their families will always be my primary concern,” she said.
The Aug. 12 exercise included a fire to which F&ESGC responded as well as an active shooter threat, both designed to test both departments’ responses to a rapidly evolving situation.
NAS Pensacola Installation Training Officer (ITO) Erich Brinkmeier, NSF personnel and Fire and Emergency Services Gulf Coast F&ESGC) regularly create and participate in comprehensive training exercises to ensure readiness for any emergency – including the fire and active shooter scenario.
"’We train like we fight, and we fight like we train,’” Brinkmeier said, referencing a quote attributed to U.S. Army General George S. Patton. “These exercises are designed to test and enhance the installation’s response protocols, foster interagency cooperation and provide hands-on experience for both military and civilian personnel.”
Brinkmeier added that NAS Pensacola entities involved in the exercise invest hours preparing these scenarios in order to produce a real-world feel and practical experience for the entire team.
“It is vital that every entity on this base is aligned. In times of crisis, whether a training exercise or a real-world situation, we want to do everything that we can to help our Naval Security Forces personnel more effectively do their job,” he said.
The exercise represented a vital component of the installation’s overarching security framework according to Brinkmeier. By preparing for the unthinkable, security teams and the broader base community are better positioned to protect lives, safeguard mission-critical operations and uphold the highest standards of readiness.
“While every day is different, filled with its own unique challenges, there is one thing that remains the same; our incredible team,” Newman said. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the lives and well-being of our military and civilian force, ensure mission success, and protect the resources entrusted to us by our nation .”
NAS Pensacola, referred to as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," is designed to support operational and training missions of tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups (MATSG) 21 and 23 and is the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Along with an active runway, the air station also maintains a deepwater port, directly supporting U.S. Coast Guard missions.
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) Lt. Mason Stalder participates as an active shooter during an Aug. 12 exercise onboard the air station. Service members and civilian employees regularly engage in exercises covering a variety of realistic threats to enhance skills and maintain force-wide readiness.
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Navy Security Forces (NSF) personnel participate in an active shooter exercise Aug. 12 onboard the air station. Service members and civilian employees regularly engage in exercises covering a variety of realistic threats to enhance skills and maintain force-wide readiness.
Pensacola Area Navy Ball Celebrating 250 Years of the U.S. Navy
Tickets
250th Pensacola Area Navy Ball (E-4 and Junior)
250th Pensacola Area Navy Ball (E-5)
250th Pensacola Area Navy Ball (E-6)
250th Pensacola Area Navy Ball (E-7 and Above)
250th Pensacola Area Navy Ball (Civilians)
Honorable Guest Speaker
Point of Contacts
HMC Trier Lane - trier.n.lane.mil@health.mil
HM1 Shikia Suggs - shikia.l.suggs.mil@health.mil
Individuals interested in more information are advised to email both Suggs and Lane for tracking purposes.
MWR Child Development Center Employees Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Two Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Corry Station Child Development Center (CDC) employees were recognized by the American Red Cross Aug. 1 for lifesaving efforts at the facility.
Corry Station CDC employees Linnette Santana and Freda Ankum were recognized with American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards for rendering aid to a choking child, something American Red Cross Northwest Chapter executive Director Terri Jenkins said embodies the organization's spirit.
"These two indivdiuals used action to help alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency," she said. "Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. They are heroes.”
Santana was recognized with the American Red Cross' Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action and Ankum was presented a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals for their efforts.
American Red Cross representatives presented the awards during the brief ceremony, praising the Corry Station CDC employees for their actions.
"In my experience with the American Red Cross, I have learned that heroes—the brave men and women willing to step forward and help a stranger during their greatest time of need—they are all around us," American Red Cross Representative Dwight Davis said. "But I have also learned that these individuals are not common—because to act quickly and decisively during a crisis takes a level of courage reserved only for a chosen few.
Florida Move Over Law Applies While Driving on NAS Pensacola, Corry Station
Florida law requires you to Move Over a lane — when you can safely do so — for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, tow trucks or wreckers, maintenance or construction vehicles with displaying warning lights, and any disabled vehicle on the side of the road. If you can’t move over — or when on a two-lane road — slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
Slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less. FLHSMV educates new and young drivers on the Move Over Act with information in the driver handbook, even including Move Over questions on the driver exam. Statistically the most likely to violate the Move Over Act is drivers aged 20-40. This age group is less likely to move over or slow down when they approach emergency, service or disabled vehicles.
In 2022, there were 170 crashes and more than 14,000 citations issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida.
When a driver fails to move over for stopped or disabled vehicles on the roadside, they put the safety of law enforcement, first responders, service professionals AND the motorists they assist gravely at risk.
Violating the Move Over law will result in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record. For more information, see section 316.126, Florida Statutes.
The simple act of moving over gives law enforcement, emergency first responders and other service vehicles adequate space to do their jobs and can greatly increase safety on Florida’s roadways.
Credits:
Bruce Cummins, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Officer; Garrett Dipuma, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office;