Photo By Seaman Garret Nelson | Master-at-arms 3rd Class Dylan Patterson, from San Antonio, assigned to security...... read more read more
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On September 16, 2013, Aaron Alexis, a contractor working at the Washington Navy Yard, killed 12 people and injured four within 68 minutes. He was able to unsuspectingly enter the base carrying a backpack containing a Remington 870 shotgun and walk inside building #197 using valid credentials. Alexis committed this act of terrorism against his coworkers and other Navy personnel without warning.
This attack highlights the need for security training and procedures on all military installations.
While in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, the safety of the ship and its crew remain one of the top priorities aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). For those that are tasked with maintaining good order and discipline, constant vigilance is what they train to instill among their Sailors and shipmates while the ship is moored pierside.
As the forward-deployed aircraft carrier operating in the most consequential theater, George Washington fulfills the need for a combat-ready ship with a battle-minded crew, who are equipped to handle any situation that may arise.
“The bigger picture with our mission with us going out to the South China Sea is that we’re a very big asset to the United States,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Daniel Dominguez, a George Washington Anti-terrorism Training Team ATTT member. “This ship is a weapon that must be protected, as well as the mission and the crew. If we don’t protect these assets, then we have failed.”
The ATTT trains the Ships Reaction Force (SRF) and Backup Reaction Force (BRF) by consistently running drills that mimic real-life scenarios.
“We try to keep these drills as realistic as possible for situations that could be faced,” said Dominguez. “Our goal is to have our Sailors equipped to handle anything thrown their way.”
Some examples of these training evolutions include active shooter, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and bomb threats. The diverse range of scenarios that are covered contribute to ship safety and security, as it trains Sailors to be prepared around the clock.
After each training, senior ATTT members break down the missteps and communication issues of the drill.
“We ask ourselves the hard questions of ‘what could have been better’ and ‘what went wrong’,” said Dominguez. “Sometimes, you have to look at the problem and be critical. I’d rather see a bunch of areas to improve on than just saying ‘everything went well’ when that’s not true.”
A unique aspect and additional layer of security while in-port is the In-Port Security Force, or ISF, comprised of Sailors from various departments who are trained by MAs. These Sailors are entrusted with the same level of vigilance and professionalism as their MA counterparts to fulfill the mission.
“Being from a different rate, becoming a part of ISF shows a larger perspective and a better understanding of the importance of security onboard the ship,” said Air-Traffic Controller 2nd Class Luke Graf, an ISF member. “ATTT drills allow us to improve and practice the skills we’ve been taught.”
All Sailors aboard the ship are encouraged to participate in creating a safe environment for their shipmates and help to actively keep things secure.
“Despite our busy schedules, we do these drills quite often because they’re essential,” said Dominguez. “If Sailors are interested in learning about what we do, I’ll always take the time to explain. That’s one more Sailor who has a better understanding of security and why it matters to all of us.”
George Washington is 7th Fleet’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside Allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet.
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2025 20:06 |
| Story ID: | 494109 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Secure the Ship: How George Washington's ATTT trains for every threat, by PO3 Lillian Olen, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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