Regional Command Center Activated in Wake of Fires

[darrels joy]

Regional Command Center Activated in Wake of Fires

By Journalist 3rd Class Adrian Melendez, Navy Region
Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Jose Betancourt,
commander, Navy Region Southwest, activated the Regional
Command Center (RCC) for the first time, Oct. 26, due to the
massive effect the blazes in San Diego have had on military
members and their families.

"The RCC is an emergency operations center for Navy Region
Southwest activated in times of crises," said Capt. John
Macintyre, assistant chief of staff for Public Safety. Key
members of the admiral's staff are located in the center to
quickly update the admiral on the situation and to help arrange
berthing, medical and food for those who are in need.

Personnel from supply, air operations, safety, public affairs,
administration and medical all man the RCC to quickly deal with
any problems that comes up in their respected areas, said
Macintyre.

The RCC is equipped with multiple televisions tuned to the local
news, and computers on each desk to keep members of the
RCC up to date on new developments in the emergency
situation, said Macintyre.

The RCC also works with the civilian command centers in San
Diego to get new information on the fire and evacuations, said
Sam Whitteker, primary advisor in the RCC.

Macintyre also said they have the ability to hold video
teleconferences, if needed.

"We have good conductivity between (the Navy) and city
officials, which helps develop a comprehensive picture of the
emergency, and therefore helps us deal with it effectively," said
Betancourt.

The RCC decides where to put evacuated Sailors and their
families based on information from base commanders of
available space, said Whitteker.

"The effectiveness (of the RCC) has come from the cooperation
of all members of the command center," said Macintyre.

Whitteker also said it would be impossible to get done
everything that their doing now without the implementation of the
RCC.

The RCC will be manned 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week
as long as there is an emergency, said Betancourt.

With the RCC manned, Sailors and their families can be
reassured that the Navy is doing everything possible to make
sure they are safe and taken care of in times of crisis.