Guardians,
During our trips we often have the opportunity to take additional personnel. On our recent trip to New Orleans we asked LT Kristi Nadler from our National Command Center to join us.
She offered the following observations.
ADM A
On Friday 04 December 2009, I had the privilege of accompanying ADM Allen on his trip to New Orleans for the Work Boat Show. During the trip down on CG01, the flight crew showed me the technology on the plane that allows for world-wide communications. As a watchstander in the National Command Center (NCC) who needs to reach out to the Commandant while he is traveling, this was highly informative. The communication capabilities of the plane allow the Commandant to remain available in the event there is a timely and important call for him to take/make or a conference call to participate in even at the classified level. So, even in the air with these capabilities, ADM Allen is able to remain Semper Paratus; always ready for that phone call from the National Command Center!
While in New Orleans, I had the opportunity to visit the D8 Command Center and meet with LCDR Paul Morgan, Command Center Chief, and fellow watch standers. With D8 being such a large District, I was surprised at the small size of the Command Center. Currently, D8 is in the progress of standing up a Common Operating Picture, COP, watch that will allow the Command Center to have visibility on vessel traffic throughout their area of responsibility. The COP will be a viable tool especially with all the inland rivers and waterways D8 monitors; modern technology is vital on the success of a Command Center. Thanks D8 Command Center!
The trip was a great learning experience and I had a wonderful time. Thanks to ADM Allen and staff for the opportunity and thanks to the flight crew for being so hospitable.
