Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

The Department of the Navy (DON) Insider Threat Program (ITP) is a critical component of the department’s overall security posture. Designed to protect sensitive information and assets, the ITP focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks posed by insiders who may have access to classified information or critical infrastructure.
“It’s important to remember that insider threats can come from anyone within the organization, regardless of their position or level of access. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong insider threat program in place that includes education, awareness, and robust monitoring,” said Franco Neto, DON Insider Threat Director.
Deterrence includes strategies to prevent employees or insiders from engaging in malicious or harmful activities. By clearly communicating the consequences of insider threats and enforcing strict security measures, the program aims to discourage unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure of sensitive information. This deterrence strategy includes implementing robust security awareness training programs for all personnel and educating them about their responsibilities and the potential harm caused by insider threats. Additionally, the ITP emphasizes the importance of a strong organizational culture that promotes integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.
Detection includes processes and technologies used to identify signs of malicious or harmful behavior by insiders. The program uses a variety of methods and technologies to identify potential insider threats. These include continuous monitoring of network activity, individual behaviors, and always being on watch for suspicious activity. Additionally, the ITP encourages employees to report any concerns or unusual behavior they observe in their colleagues. By proactively monitoring for indicators of compromise, the program can detect potential insider threats early on and take appropriate action.
Mitigation includes actions implemented to reduce the impact or severity of insider threats once they have been detected. Once a threat is detected, the ITP implements measures to contain the damage and prevent further harm. This may involve isolating the compromised system, revoking access privileges from an individual, and conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. Additionally, the ITP focuses on implementing corrective actions to address any vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the threat.
“The ITP also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and information sharing. By working closely with other government agencies and law enforcement, the DON can leverage shared intelligence and best practices to enhance its insider threat capabilities,” said Neto. “Through a combination of technology, education, and collaboration, the DON ITP is committed to safeguarding the Navy and Marine Corps vital interests.”
If you see something, say something, do something. If you notice any unusual behavior or activity that raises your suspicions, please report it to your supervisor, security office, or through the appropriate reporting channels. Your vigilance is essential in protecting the department from insider threats.
Learn how every member of the Navy/Marine Corps Team plays a critical role in countering insider threats by attending September’s Insider Threat Awareness educational events. Also, check out our education and awareness tools at the links below!
Department of the Navy Insider Threat Program:
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/DUSN-IS
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/ALNAV-2024/
https://www.secnav.navy.mil/itp

U.S. Navy Insider Threat Program:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/NAVADMIN-2024/
https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NIA/SitePages/US-Navy-Insider-Threat-Program.aspx

U.S. Marine Corps Insider Threat Program:
https://www.information.marines.mil/Units/Insider-Threat/
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/MARADMINS/

Source: United States Navy

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia — While driving around Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), you may have noticed new signage in the parking lots and black flags flying from some buildings and gates. It’s all in an effort to mitigate risks to both personnel and property.

“The new parking lot signage identifies evacuation zones in the event a hazard is present where all personnel need to be removed from the immediate area, such as from airborne hazards or contaminants,” said Installation Emergency Management Officer Nicole Roten. “It is expected that if the entire shipyard population is sheltered, we would need to release personnel in an orderly fashion to avoid, or at least reduce, traffic congestion as much as possible, both on the installation and in the cities of Portsmouth and Chesapeake.”

Personnel should look for the evacuation signage in their parking lot to be aware of their zone and make sure to review the Installation Emergency Management Plan, NAVSHIPYDNOR M-3440.1, Chapter 2, Emergency Support Function 16, Release of Personnel/Evacuation located on the sharepoint website at https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/CNICCNRMAHub/NNSY/NNSY%20Instructions/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FCNICCNRMAHub%2FNNSY%2FNNSY%20Instructions%2FNAVSHIPYDNOR%20M%2D3440%2E1%2C%2022%20Feb%202024%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FCNICCNRMAHub%2FNNSY%2FNNSY%20Instructions.
Personnel with questions should contact the Installation Emergency Management Officer Nicole Roten at (757) 396-9491 or alexis.n.roten.civ@us.navy.mil.

Protecting the workforce is a top priority at NNSY and the intense summer heat puts everyone at risk for heat exhaustion or stroke. Everyone should be familiar with the Heat Stress Flag Status and that NNSY notifies the workforce regarding “black flag” status via AtHoc alerts, Giant Voice and posted flags at Building 1500, industrial area Gate November, and the NNSY Callaghan Center Gymnasium.

“The purpose of the black flags is to notify personnel when a black flag heat stress condition exists,” said Roten. “This means the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) has reached or exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“When black flag conditions exist, strenuous, non-essential outdoor physical activity will be suspended for all personnel, excluding operational commitments not for training purposes,” said Roten. “All reasonable efforts should be made to reschedule these activities during cooler periods of the day.”

Personnel should make sure they are prepared for hot weather by monitoring the conditions outside, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and dressing accordingly. If any individuals onboard the shipyard require emergency assistance, call (757) 396-3333.

Source: United States Navy

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia – A multinational team of service members deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) helped preserve WWII memorial markers during a host nation outreach cleanup event (HNOE) with the Yap Visitors Bureau and members of the Yap Veterans Association at multiple WWII crash sites on the Island of Yap, Sept. 7.

Strategically located between the Philippines and Guam, Japanese-occupied Yap was targeted almost daily by American aircraft from June of 1944 to August of 1945. This resulted in several historical ruins on land and in the water that offer a glimpse into the island’s wartime past.

There are 19 WWII aircraft crash sites on the Island of Yap, four of which were identified as needing revitalization by the Yap Visitors Bureau.

“This is American history preserved by the Yapese. They were the ones decades ago that identified the sites, and erected these monuments with tributes to the fallen service members,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Zumwalt, PP24-2 mission chaplain and HNOE lead. “We as Americans owe a significant debt of gratitude to the people of Yap for preserving these sacred locations.”

The Yap Visitors Bureau purchased the supplies for the restoration project and escorted the PP24-2 teams to the remote crash site locations, on the sides of mountains, in the middle of jungles or town villages, all at the end of long trails. The Yap Veterans Association worked side-by-side with the PP24-2 team to rehabilitate the memorials.

The Yap Visitors Bureau purchased the necessary supplies for the restoration project and guided the volunteer teams to the remote crash site locations—whether perched on mountain slopes, nestled in dense jungles, situated in small village squares, or at the ends of long trails. The Yap Veterans Association collaborated closely with the PP24-2 teams to rehabilitate the memorials.

“This is a way for us to express our gratitude to them, to thank them for their preservation of our history, but also to recognize our fallen brothers from previous wars and to pay it forward to future generations as they come out and explore these sites,” Said Zumwalt. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and personally it affects me to see the stories of these service members, to read about their hometowns, their families that they left behind, the bright futures that they sacrificed for our country.”

U.S. Navy Lt. Dylan J. Rich, from St. Clair Shores, Mich., medical operations officer for PP24-2 assisted in the preservation of the crash site memorial of an FG-1 Corsair from the U.S. base on Peleliu Island, flown by U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Girvis Haltom, Jr. of Stephens, Ark., a pilot with Marine Fighter Squadron 122. Lt. Rich discusses why he participated in the project and what it means to him personally.

“I think honoring those who have gone before us, especially in the wars of WWI and WWII in this case is vitally important and I wanted to do a small part and help out with that,” said Rich. “I was able to read the plaque behind me, just one story of many, it was very powerful for me. It’s too easy to lose sight of the macros, so many people were participating (during WWII), but everyone has their own story and it just really brings it home and reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing, being able to clean it up and memorialize the 1st Lt., it’s impactful for me and hopefully for his family as well.”

During the mission stop, the HNOE team also organized 25 community engagement events consisting of school visits, U.S. Navy recruiting events, interfaith dialogue sessions, and concerts from the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band.

Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational humanitarian aid and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.

Source: United States Navy

“We welcome the visit from Finland’s minister of defense and his supporting team,” said Capt. Justin Harts, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15. “We hope to continue goodwill visits such as these from our partners and allies across the globe in to enhance surface operations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

During the visit, Häkkänen toured the DESRON 15 command cave and met with staff members. After the visit to the cave, Häkkänen transitioned to the waterfront and visited USS Benfold (DDG 65) to meet with the captain and crew.

Häkkänen is Finland’s 59th minister of defense. He has served as minister of defense in Petteri Orpo’s government since June 20, 2023.

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. It is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States Navy

By the end of September, four Navy fitness centers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) will be open around the clock and in May, gyms were outfitted with $600,000 in new fitness apparatus.

JBPHH Fitness Center celebrated the start of 24/7 access this month with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Two other gyms – Pier Side Fitness Center and the Wahiawa Annex Fitness Center – are scheduled for round the clock access by Sept. 30. Hickam Fitness Center has had 24/7 access since 2017 but will be updating its computer system and offering expanded access to its showers and basketball court.

“I am thrilled that we’re able to provide 24/7 gym access to the service members on the joint base. We will continue to do everything we can to improve the quality of life on the base,” said Capt. Samuel White, JBPHH commander.

Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), which oversees all 70 Navy bases around the globe, signed a memorandum on March 8 authorizing installation commanding offers to move forward with implementing 24-hour entry to fitness facilities. “If we require our Sailors to be physically fit and healthy so they can fulfill the Navy mission and deploy at a moment’s notice, then we must provide the facilities and resources for them to do so,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command. “Not only does this make sense, it is the right thing to do for the quality of life of our Sailors and other service members.”

Military personnel stand duty at varying hours of the day, including night shifts, depending on their roles and responsibilities. As a result, service members often had difficulty getting to the MWR gym during normal business hours and were forced to find alternatives.

“Maximizing access to fitness facilities makes it more convenient for our Sailors,” Gray said. “We all know that exercise benefits one’s physical health, but it also reinforces mental, emotional, and social health, which are important for our Sailors’ overall wellbeing.”

In addition to 24/7 access, four manned fitness centers received $600,000 worth of new gym equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines, strength training machines and squat racks.

In the past, gyms on Navy installations with 24/7 access did not allow the use of any free weights like squat racks, Olympic benches, Smith machines, and dumbbells over 75 pounds, according to Dawn Pierce, sports and fitness program director for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) and JBPHH, JB9. This current rollout does, a key benefit for Sailors and civilians who like to weight train.

Pierce added that the Department of Defense requires that Navy fitness centers update at least 20% of their gym equipment each year.

Melissa Darling, the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) director for JBPHH, said unmanned fitness centers are also benefitting from the equipment upgrade. The gently used equipment replaced by the new gym equipment is being distributed among five unmanned Navy gyms: Family Fitness Center, Ford Island Fitness Center, Makalapa Fitness Center, and West Loch Fitness Center.

To gain 24/7 gym access, registration is required and is only for authorized users 18 years of age and older. The process can be completed at any participating fitness center and involves completing a form to create a household within the MWR system. The fitness center user must then register their common access card (CAC) for updated access privileges.

Darling said the fitness center upgrades will have positive and lasting impacts.

“Ultimately … the fitness program is essential to mission readiness and contributes directly to our MWR mission,” she said. “This is hopefully going to have a positive effect on the quality of life for our military service members.”