GTMO Gears Up For National Night Out

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The 27th National Night Out (NNO), sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will be held at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba's Downtown Lyceum Aug. 3.

NNO is a yearlong community building campaign, and GTMO personnel are scheduled to celebrate with special events and cookouts.

"National Night Out is a program set on promoting police-community partnerships, crime, drug and violence prevention, safety, promoting energy efficiency, and building community unity," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Henry Alderete. "NNO is an important event because it creates an opportunity for all personnel in our community to stand up as one against any illegal activity."

Alderete also said different military organizations will be represented during the GTMO NNO.

"When you come to our National Night Out celebration you will see many faces from various branches of military and civilian service, but all with a common goal and united voice speaking out against crime, stating to the bad guy 'not in our neighborhood,'" Alderete said.

Information about crime prevention will also be available. They will also have the opportunity to interact with the base's emergency first responders.

"Here in GTMO we are blessed with numerous entities that play a very important role in the management of our installation," said Alderete. "This event creates an opportunity for all entities in our community to educate each other on the various services they provide."

"We are looking forward to having numerous booths, displays, informational handouts, and demonstrations being provided by our endless list of volunteers," said Alderete.

The community will have an opportunity to meet with a wide variety of the GTMO community's key players in crises management and emergency first response.

Some of the organizations providing support for NNO include the Naval Station (NAVSTA) Security Department, Marine Corps Security Force Company GTMO, Navy Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, GTMO Fire Department, NAVSTA GTMO's Brig and the Child Youth Program and USNH GTMO.

"MWR is providing bouncy houses, the rock wall, and have food and beverages for purchase," Alderete said. "There will be a parade for the whole community to observe. Radio GTMO volunteered and will broadcast live. There will also be a concert featuring the band "Retread" who volunteered for this event."

The event is free of charge and the entire GTMO community is invited.