MEMORANDUM
From: Public Affairs Officer
To:
Public Affairs Staff
Subj:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN THE EVENT OF A NAVAL DISASTER
Ref: (a) Base Directive 5700.1 (Public Affairs Disaster Plan)
1. Background. In accordance with the responsibilities assigned this office by
reference (a), the actions outlined in this memorandum will be taken by staff
personnel in the event of a naval disaster.
2. General Action to be Taken. When disaster as defined by reference (a) occurs
on this base, the public affairs staff must immediately report to their assigned posts.
If it is not possible to do so at a reasonable time, you are requested to contact the
PAO at your earliest opportunity to report your status (unless you are on authorized
leave many miles distant). In the event of a disaster, the public affairs staff may be
required to remain close to the office for several days. It is recommended that when
you report you bring one change of clothing and basic toilet articles.
3. Specific Assignments.
a. Duty Journalist. This individual stands his watch in the public affairs office
and will be notified by the command duty officer of any disaster. He will
immediately notify all public affairs staff personnel of the disaster and direct them
to report to their posts. After the arrival of the PAO, he will proceed to his assigned
post.
b. Public Affairs Officer. Will proceed to the public affairs office or
designated disaster post, and he will then designate a Command Information Bureau
(CIB). He will take necessary action to prepare the initial statement reporting the
disaster to the media. The first announcement should be cleared by the commanding
officer if at all possible. The PAO will be in charge of the CIB for the duration of
the disaster period.
c. Assistant Public Affairs Officer.
Will proceed immediately to his/her
designated disaster post to ascertain the situation, which he will report to the PAO
as soon as possible. Unless otherwise notified by the PAO, he will act as the media
liaison officer for the duration of the disaster operation.
Figure 2-4.—Sample public affairs office disaster plan.
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