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USS George H.W. Bush Undergoes FPCON Assessment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100209-29
Release Date: 2/9/2010 11:58:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman J. Scott St.Clair, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is currently preparing for an antiterrorism/force protection condition (FPCON) assessment by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Security Training Assistance and Assessment organization.

According to George H.W. Bush's Security Officer Lt. Jack Nafpliotis, the purpose of the inspection is to conduct a phase one readiness review of the command's security division and the crew's knowledge levels of FPCON.

In preparation for the assessment, the command's security force is taking proactive measures to increase FPCON awareness.

FPCON is a Department of Defense terrorist threat system that describes the various precautionary measures needed to be taken by government installations to deter, detect, mitigate and respond to terrorist threats.

There are four FPCON levels: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta, with additional modifications to each level.

FPCON Alpha describes a situation where there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, but the nature and extent of the threat are unpredictable.

At Alpha, personnel are reminded to be alert and report suspicious activities such as the presence of unfamiliar personnel, suspicious packages or possible surveillance attempts. Alpha measures must be capable of being maintained indefinitely.

FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. At Bravo, security would take increased measures such as increased patrols, securing and periodically inspecting spaces not in regular use and implementing mail-screening procedures. Sustaining Bravo measures for prolonged periods may affect operational capability and military-civil relationships with local authorities.

FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Measures such as monitoring for biological and chemical agents and augmenting fire-fighting details would be taken. Prolonged implementation of Charlie measures may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel.

FPCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. At Delta, the ship would be prepared to implement flying countermeasures, restrict all non-essential movement and deploy aircraft for surveillance. This FPCON is usually declared as a localized condition, and measures are not intended to be sustained for an extended duration.

"It's important to ensure all personnel are aware of the present threat condition," said Nafpliotis. "That knowledge of being at Alpha or Charlie ensures the Sailor takes all the appropriate measures to protect themselves and their shipmates."

The ship's current FPCON level is Alpha with additional Bravo measures, such as 100 percent ID checks, vehicle and baggage searches, as well as other random antiterrorism measures.

"Taking additional precautionary measures is a part of deterrence," Nafpliotis explained. "When we use a variety of random measures, it keeps possible terrorist threats guessing."

In addition to knowing the current FPCON level, it is also important for crew members to be familiar with all FPCON levels. If the FPCON level is heightened, Sailors need to know what to expect and be prepared for extra security measures that could cause delays, Nafpliotis said.

Personnel should also be aware that the FPCON levels do not go into effect in a particular order.

"It can go from Alpha to Delta in seconds," Nafpliotis said. "A normal day to complete chaos, like 9/11, and it's that kind of scenario where FPCON comes into play."

Although it is directly his responsibility to inform the command about FPCON, Nafpliotis said it is up to the entire chain of command to stress the importance.

"It's just like damage control or any other war-fighting measure on the ship," said Nafpliotis.

To aid in the FPCON awareness efforts the ship's security department has posted FPCON informational posters throughout the ship. Additional information about FPCON and antiterrorism can be found in Department of Defense Educational Activity Regulation 4700.1.