Team Patrick-Cape needs to maintain current FPCON level -- and mindset! Published July 8, 2015 By Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno 45th Space Wing Commander PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As most of you are well aware, Admiral William Gortney, commander, U.S. Northern Command, ordered the elevation for force protection for all Defense Department facilities in the continental United States to BRAVO on May 8, 2015. Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Although we do not anticipate an imminent threat here, the intent of this directive was to ensure random anti-terrorism measures are conducted at an unpredictable frequency. And that's what we'll continue to do for now and the foreseeable future. Since that time, there has been speculation -- and trust me that's all it is -- here at Team Patrick-Cape and all throughout the DoD if this FPCON level is going to be reduced or if this will be the "new normal" for us to deal with in the future. I just want to make one thing perfectly clear: The 45th Space Wing will comply with any FPCON directives and take whatever steps are necessary to protect our people, assets, resources and our infrastructure. Could there be a few delays in your getting around or on-and-off either base? Could you be denied the "special access" that you have enjoyed for certain events and come to expect in the past? Will our outstanding 45th Security Forces Squadron continue to produce a discernible element of unpredictability in our security posture and procedures? The answer to all three of these questions is a resounding YES! As your commander, it's my job to do everything in my power to keep each and every one of you safe from harm's way. But obviously, I need your help and for you to really "buy into" the world we live in now. All base personnel and their families need to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement authorities. If you see something that needs reporting, please call Security Forces at (321) 494-2008 (you should have that number programmed in your phone and posted in your house for all family members to see). When I think of where we are in today's world, and what's the best way to protect ourselves, I often think of a quote I heard that goes something like this: "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." That's exactly what defines Team Patrick-Cape to me. STAY FOCUSED, SHARKS!