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Sigonella Security Team Keeping Supplies Under Wraps

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030610-32

Release Date: 6/10/2003 2:20:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class David Hamilton, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- It is just another day in Augusta Bay, but not according to Naval Air Station Sigonella's (NASSIG) Mobile Afloat Security Team (MAST). Out of more than 400 motivated security personnel to choose from, 35 highly recommended individuals were given the call to become part of the team.

The MAST is on call every second, every minute, every hour and every day, keeping ship's supplies and people out of harm's way.

The port at Augusta Bay is a NATO facility providing fuel, ammunition and supplies to 6th Fleet, as well as combat and logistics support ships. So when a non-combatant U.S. Naval Ship (USNS) rolls into the harbor, the MAST must go to work, providing anti-terrorism force protection measures against any unknown approaching surface contacts in the harbor.

According to Master-at-Arms 1st Class Stephen Pakola, MAST's leading petty officer, the team has been in existence for about 10 months and has already received numerous accolades, including a plaque from the Military Sealift Command Ship USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195).

"The executive officer of the ship stated that the MAST were nothing but ambassadors, conducting themselves as professionals in completing their job. In addition, the MAST has received positive comments from Commander, Naval Region Europe (CNRE)," Pakola said.

Presently, the MAST is working a two-team rotation aboard fast-combat support ship USNS Artic (T-AOE 8). Living conditions can be accommodating from ship to ship. They sleep, eat and exercise right onboard.

The MAST has rolled on and off quite a few different ships, including oilers, supply and cargo vessels, and even an oceanographic research vessel. "When a boat pulls in, the MAST is staged in a matter of minutes, said Pakola. "The team supervisor and myself will approach the bridge and welcome the captain and his crew to NASSIG, briefing them on how many team members will be coming onboard. The okay is given via radio, and the first watch is set."

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jason Mason, an 11-year Navy veteran and the Team 2 supervisor, has been with the team since groundbreaking. "It has been interesting to watch 35 individuals mold together as a team, working out all of the kinks initially," said Mason. "As a team supervisor, I manage 11-15 personnel, overseeing the watchstanding and watch rotation, a particular threat that may be coming into the area that needs to be dealt with, as well as a question the shipmaster or crew may have for the team."

Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 2nd Class Richard Schildwaster is no exception when it comes to providing leadership and experience to the team. Schildwaster is responsible for the inventory of all weapons and ammunition. In addition, he is key to uploading, downloading and receiving weapons at shift change. He remembers quite well the very first ship for which the team had to provide force protection.

"It was a supply ship which we were on board for 17 days straight," said Schildwaster. "We work together as a team, depending on each other. Everybody is very dedicated. Everybody that is here wants to be here."

In addition to the Mobile Afloat Security Team, there are two other components to be implemented to the Augusta Bay Security Detachment. One is the harbor security boats and the other is the water side security.

According to Ensign Steven Murdock, officer-in-charge for the three components, there are two harbor security boats and five people billeted to them. "It is a start up operation as of now. We have the personnel and equipment but are now anxious to put them into operation."