2013_FEB_BP - Navy-Marine Corps MARS

DE NNN0GAL TWOAt the time of this writing I have been in the role of NNN0GAL TWO for all of two weeks.It is both humbling and an honor. In addition, by the time you read this we will have completedour first ECOM Exercise during my tenure as GAL TWO. Hopefully, it was a success. Becausethis exercise was held so late in the month any reports, statistics and information will notbe available as this issue of the Bosun's Pipe goes to print. Be on the lookout for a full report tobe included in next month's issue.At the same time that I assumed the role of GAL TWO, NNN0ERD assumed the role ofNNN0GAL TWO TWO...much to my relief. Scott has proven to be a valuable asset duringprevious ECOM exercises and brings a “can-do” spirit along with an attitude of teamwork tothe TWO TWO position. It was my pleasure to serve as Scott's Elmer during his Tango periodand the “student” has far exceeded the “teacher” in many respects. The task of EmergencyCommunication Planning will truly be a team effort.A special word of thanks goes to the immediate previous TWOs, Mike McIntosh(NNN0BBN) and Don Veckarelli (NNN0ICX). This STA served as GAL TWO TWO whileMike was GAL TWO and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve with him. Don was myElmer during my Tango period and was the first STA I contacted for advice and guidance afterassuming the role of GAL TWO. His “brain-dump” into Scott and myself has already proveninvaluable.That does the future hold for Emergency Communications Planning in Florida NAVMAR-CORMARS? Well, the very nature of the word “emergency” prevents one from knowing exactlywhat the future may hold. Whether HOWLING WIND, SCORCHED EARTH, DARKWATER, HIDDEN THREAT OR POISONED GROUND await us, this STA along withNNN0GAL TWO TWO and under the leadership of NNN0GAL will do everything possible beprepare Florida Navy-Marine Corps MARS Members to meet the challenge of “...any communicationsemergency.” (NTP8(D) 108)To that end, here are some preliminary goals:To have all required, quarterly ECOM Exercises conducted on consistently scheduled dates(i.e. the fourth Saturday of each quarter).To plan for and publish future ECOM Exercise dates and scenarios twelve to eighteenmonths in advance. (The purpose of this and previous bullet point is to allow all FloridaNavy-Marine Corps MARS Members adequate time to plan for participation.)To conduct quarterly “supplemental/partial exercises” to improve “less than excellent” proceduresand operating skills identified during the mandatory exercises.To present weekly training and instruction in ECOM operations and procedures as outlinedin NTP(8)D, CAOG and the Florida Navy-Marine Corps MARS ECOM Plan.And, as always, to assure that the Green C Award is safe and secure in its properstate...Florida!Of course, these goals are simply a starting point. In the words of my favorite professor incollege, “this and better we'll do!”Grace and 73,Joe BassettNNN0JIV/NNN0GAL TWO11