NAS Whidbey Island Sailors Train as Auxiliary Security Force

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

OAK HARBOR, Wash (NNS) -- Sailors from various commands aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island took part in an Auxiliary Security Force (ASF) training course, Feb. 6-24.

The Sailors will serve as force protection assets and offer support to the base's security department. The focus of the ASF course is to be a force in readiness.

"We have 13 students, in which they learn unarmed self-defense, weapons, OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray, baton, watch-standing duties, inspections and tactical team movements," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) David Janovetz of Wausau, Wis., security training leading petty officer (LPO) and ASF assistant coordinator assigned to base security at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "Upon successfully graduating, students will stand watch with master-at-arms at various posts on base."

The ASF course trains Sailors in non-security ratings, who would be called upon to augment the base's security department during contingencies, exercises and special events that require heightened levels of security on base.

The training ranges from the rights and responsibilities of an arresting officer, mechanical advantage control holds, proper handcuffing skills, searching a suspect, antiterrorism management skills and shooting skills.

"For us to stand sentry gate watches, its important knowledge to properly use a weapon in case an unauthorized person comes through the gate," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joleen Marcotte of Bend, Ore., assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "We can neutralize the situation in whatever means necessary through the training we learned."

Janovetz attributes the importance of ASF to the ever-changing security threats around the world and the importance in having Sailors prepared to defend against those threats.

The ASF academy graduates were all volunteers from tenant commands.

"As far as manning goes, you can never have too much security," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Robert Chandler, of Vinemont, Ala., assigned to VAQ 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Requirements for the program include top physical readiness and the ability to pass weapon qualifications and a written exam.

"This class has been great; they were on time which is important and were always ready to learn," said Janovetz.

For many ASF graduates, the most challenging part of the training was the OC spray obstacle course. ASF Sailors were required to pass this course in order to receive their OC spray qualification and be able to carry the spray as a means of defense.

"Everyone comes in pretty nervous about being sprayed, they all have heard stories about how much it hurts," said Janovetz. "It's a team-building exercise and something to be remembered the rest of your life."

During the course, Sailors are sprayed with OC primarily targeting the facial area, ensuring coverage of the eye zone. They must then endure the completion of a five-station obstacle course, where they must successfully demonstrate various take-down techniques and demonstrate correct use of a baton.

"This class has been very informative and challenging at times," said Marcotte. "The instructors brought a lot to the course, they made sure that we made it through class and we understood what they were teaching us."

Members of ASF have gone through extensive training, studying various security methods that will help keep the base safe from terrorists or harmful threats.

Janovetz said the students worked hard in the course and now have the tools to provide better force protection. "As with all of our classes, the students have been given knowledge to be an immediate asset to the department, they were able to demonstrate the skills learned to a high degree of proficiency."