The U.S. Naval Academy is improving security to protect itself against terrorists, floods and incidents such as the recent Virginia Tech shootings.
“I?m becoming more and more comfortable, but there?s more to be done with the security at the academy,” said Vice Admiral Rodney P. Rempt, outgoing superintendent of the academy.
Academy officials at the quarterly Board of Visitors meeting Tuesday outlined plans to enhance security for the campus, its main building and athletic facilities.
This summer, the academy will have a campus perimeter monitoring system with 35 state-of-the-art cameras watching key locations and waterfront areas.
Later this year, the academy will open an advanced emergency operations center to serve as a central location for emergency operations during disasters.
The academy has created temporary “SWAT” units to handle threatening situations until local law enforcement arrives.
Officials said Annapolis and Anne Arundel County law enforcement officials have trained with academy officials on disaster drills.
“It?s faster for the city to respond than the Navy in D.C.,” said Capt. Helen Dunn, chief of staff.
Hurricane Isabel created a 7-foot storm surge that ravaged the campus in 2003. Since then, the academy has installed floor barriers, and new buildings on both sides of the Severn River will have flood walls as part of its design.
The academy also is developing an Anti-Terrorism Force Protection program that teaches midshipmen what to look for and how to react to a potential attack on Bancroft Hall, the academy?s central dormitory.
“We want to use the eyes and ears of the midshipmen, because they know if something is wrong,” said Capt. Margaret Klein, commandant of midshipmen.
Other security measures include armed bike patrols during events and increased hazmat training.
Rempt said the new security measures would isolate sensitive areas while keeping the academy open to the public during threatening times.
