A message from Capt. Larry Vasquez, commanding officer of NBVC, addressing questions about support the DHHS mission regarding unaccompanied children: Shipmates and families, I want to take a moment and answer some of the questions regarding our support of the Department of Health and Human Services. I understand your concerns and want to assure you that we have considered the possible impacts before beginning to execute this DoD-directed mission. We were directed to support DHHS in this effort. We only had one suitable, unused facility: Bldg. 267, the former Navy Mobilization Processing Site at Port Hueneme. The impact to the Navy mission is minimal and manageable within the timeframe set (90-120 days) and this was taken into account by DoD to allow use of the building. DHHS is funding all operations of the temporary facility - cleaning, maintenance, fencing, additional equipment, fire alarms, etc. - so the facility can be used to temporarily house unaccompanied children. Representatives from Lincoln Military Housing have relayed concerns from residents. One of my main responsibilities as Commanding Officer of Naval Base Ventura County is the safety and security of our Sailors and their families. We are taking precautions to maximize the safety and security of our Navy families and the unaccompanied children. A privacy fence is being erected, to be completed prior to the arrival of any children. We expected the installation of the fence to occur last weekend and therefore changed the traffic pattern in the vicinity of the building and the RV park. This is construction, it was delayed but we wanted to be prepared. There will be a security team in place 24/7 to control movement in and out of the facility. Roving patrols will monitor the fence line and report to NBVC security. DHHS is feeding and caring for these children, including medical needs, using their own resources and within the confines of the privacy fence. We still maintain jurisdiction on federal property and will respond to any crimes committed in the facility. Bottom line: We have been tasked with a mission and we will execute that mission to the best of our ability. DHHS has been very cooperative and we are all working to support the care of these children while continuing to support our Navy mission and provide for our Sailors and their families. Stay up to date on this mission through Facebook and the AtHoC system. Thank you for your feedback and questions. Well work to keep you and your commands informed as this mission unfolds over the next few weeks.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 22:12:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015