l l l l l l l l l Forms on which the PAO may make periodic reports  to  the  officer  in  command  regarding  the informational aspects of the disaster, such as total queries  received,  reporters  on  the  base,  releases made,  cumulative  statistics  of  public  affairs activities and significant events since the last report. These forms permit brief reports to be made  as  often  as  necessary. Forms on which a chronological listing of events may  be  kept. Sample   official   letters   authorizing   media representatives  to  travel  in  naval  ships  and aircraft. Blank  waiver  forms  to  be  signed  by  media representatives before embarking in Navy ships or aircraft. Sample naval messages to ships or remote units requesting  disaster  information. Sample  reports  to  higher  authority. Forms to facilitate maintaining a log or running description of the public affairs activities to be used  later  in  writing  a  comprehensive  report. Media  access  badges  (blank). Media parking passed (blank). Personnel Augmentation In the event of a major prolonged disaster, the public affairs staff will need additional personnel, perhaps some  from  outside  the  command.  There  must  be pertinent  information  concerning  the  augmentation  of this staff. This list might include the following: .  Reserve  public  affairs  personnel  (PAOs,  JOs, etc.) in the immediate area who could come on active duty at short notice .  Active-duty  public  affairs  personnel  within  a certain  radius  who  might  supply  personnel assistance . Names of enlisted personnel from other depart- ments in the command particularly well suited to function  as  messengers,  escorts,  typists,  and  so forth . Names of officers from other departments who might  serve  in  specialized  capacities,  such  as  a l l next  of  kin  information  officer  or  an  admini- strative  assistant Names  of  photographic  personnel  with  the demonstrated  ability  to  obtain  good  news  photo coverage Expects  in  various  specialties  who  would  be called  upon  to  provide  technical  background information or could be interviewed by media representatives THE COMMAND INFORMATION BUREAU The PAO and senior JO should establish a CIB to provide  a single source of information to  reporters. News briefings and releases made from the CIB will reduce inaccuracies and restrict the flow of media to less reliable  sources  of  information.  Additionally,  security violations can be avoided in having a single source of information that works in concert with Navy officials on scene. Although some CIB provisions are mentioned in this chapter, more detailed information is contained in The Command Information Bureau,  Chapter 3. PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROCEDURES IN NAVAL DISASTERS Learning    Objective: Identify   the   public   affairs procedures  taken  during  a  naval  disaster. The most exacting measure of any PAO and senior journalist  is  likely  to  center  on  his  handling  of  an accident story. Your success or failure in such a situation will depend upon your personal ability and competence as well as the competence of your staff, your past record of successor failure in similar situations and the rapport you have with the media. Your credibility and integrity are  on  the  line.  Your  handling  of  an  adverse  news situation reflects on you, the command and the DoD. RELEASING  AUTHORITY Under   any   circumstances   there   is   usually   a designated authority or specified coordinator for the release  of  information.  Amid  disaster,  such  an  authority is  mandatory  if  satisfactory  relations  are  to  be maintained with the media and the public. When no one person is recognized as the official spokesman, there is confusion among the press, the relief workers, officials in charge and indeed among the public affairs staff. This should be agreed to and specified in your disaster plan wherever  possible. 2-21