of  the  sailors  killed  were  using  drugs.  Autopsies revealed no trace of drugs in any of the sailors, and a decision was made to release that information. As  the  senior  journalist,  you  must  be  an  active participant in the entire investigative process, from the initial  press  release  to  the  final  release  of  the investigative   report.   Building   a   solid   working relationship with legal officers and investigators before a crisis means better planning, fewer surprises and accurate information for the public. NEXT OF KIN Learning Objective: Recognize   the   procedures   for dealing with next of kin during a disaster. The Navy is just as interested in the welfare of the families of Navy men and women as it is in the welfare of Navy personnel. When a disaster occurs, the next of kin suffer emotional anguish and pain almost equal to the physical suffering of those in the disaster. These people must be protected. There are a number of ways the public affairs office can help ease the suffering of the next of kin. One way is  to  handle  the  release  of  news  competently.  This includes the prompt release of information as it becomes available, particularly the names of casualties, to ease the  anxiety  of  families  whose  loved  ones  were  not involved. Many of the next of kin live near the base or the home port of a ship involved in the disaster. When the first  news  of  the  disaster  reaches  them,  they  converge on  the  base  to  be  near  the  source  of  information. Provisions must be made for them. They should never be left to their own resources or permitted to wait outside the gate for second-hand information. Guidelines  for  handling  the  next  of  kin  should  be specified in the disaster plan. PAO/CACO  RELATIONSHIP Whenever  possible,  the  PAO  and  senior  journalist should coordinate the release of information on injured and killed Navy personnel with the casualty assistance calls  officer  (CACO).  The  CACO  works  under  the direction   of   the   Navy   Casualty   Assistance   Calls Program   (CACP),   NAVMILPERSCOMINST   1770 series. The broad purpose of the program is to assure the next of kin of the following: l The Navy’s interest in their well-being. l l l The  Navy’s  concern  in  the  case  of  members reported missing while the search for him/her is under way. The Navy’s sympathy in their loss in the case of a death. The Navy’s efforts to help the survivors adjust to the new conditions the tragic circumstances have imposed upon them. As the senior journalist assisting the PAO, you can do a great deal to support the CACO assigned to a casualty that has drawn media attention. By establishing a  practical  CACO/PAO  relationship  and  incorporating advance planning, media coverage can be handled in a manner that preserves the dignity of the event. Let us say, for example, that a BM2 is killed at sea and is credited with saving the lives of several of his shipmates. The sailor’s remains are scheduled to arrive at the local civilian airport. One of the first events that will require on-scene support will be the arrival of the remains at the airport. If   media   coverage   is   anticipated,   family   desires regarding media interaction and presence as well as the PAO’s  recommendations  for  media  interaction  should be addressed early through the CACO. Once family desires are known, planning should begin immediately and the PAO should contact airport public  relations  or  associated  officials.  If  standard procedures are not in place, they should be discussed well  before  an  actual  event.  Learning  about  the organization  of  the  airport  and  developing  contacts  will help  when  a  high-media  interest  event  is  imminent. Other  items  that  should  be  discussed  with  the CACO include, but are not limited to, the following: l l Presence of a media coverage plan. Is there a media  coverage  plan  designed  for  the  arrival  of the  remains?  If  a  family  requests  no  media presence, what procedures are followed? If a coverage plan is not in place, what must be done and who should be contacted to workout a plan? Coverage location, timing and logistics. Where and when should the media meet the Navy or airport  public  affairs  escorts?  How  will  the media get to the coverage site? Can the airport provide transportation? Can an adjacent arrival gate or cargo area be cleared during the arrival and transfer of the remains? 2-30