Rice, Moore Selected Civilians of Year at Pax

Jason Rice and Russell Moore were named the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Senior and Junior Civilians of the Year, respectively.

Mr. Rice is the assistant security officer and installation antiterrorism officer. Mr. Moore is a patrolman 1st class.

“The analytical rigor put into the competition by the Command Awards Board for the ‘of the year’ recognition is intense, and the members took several hours deliberating this year’s Civilians of the Year, who both represent the Security Department,” said NAS Patuxent River commanding officer CAPT John Brabazon, who was not involved in the voting. “Congratulations to Jason Rice and Officer Russell Moore. I’ve learned how personal our security mission is for many members of our team. Our civilian teammates continue to be the heart and soul of Team Pax and we are proud to be their shipmate.”

In addition to his normal duties, which also include Command Antiterrorism Training Team Leader and Training Program Manager, Mr. Rice accomplished the following:

• Re-wrote and updated the Pax River Antiterrorism and Physical Security Plans to comply with CNIC and USFF requirements
• Developed comprehensive Short and Long Range Training Plans for the installation
• Demonstrated professional ability during the planning and execution of the 2020 Citadel Shield/Solid Curtain exercise; the 2020 CNIC-led Virtual Program Review; and the NDW 2020 Regional Assessment visit
• Significantly improved the installation AT score from 54% to 93% during a three-phase training cycle

Mr. Rice advises the NAS commanding officer on all threats and criminal activity on and around Pax River and provides security management in support of three installations, 52 tenant commands, 800+ buildings, more than 25,000 daily visitors and $3,600,000,000 installation-wide assets, in addition to the Presidential Helicopter and F-35B/C integrated test facilities; NAVAIR/NAWCAD; US Naval Test Pilot School; and VQ-4 strategic TACAMO aircraft; and oversees law enforcement operations which includes four watch stations and staff totaling 191 military and civilians.

“Mr. Rice’s conduct and attitude have been beyond reproach,” wrote NAS Patuxent River Security Officer LT Jesse Izdepski, in Mr. Rice’s nomination package. “He has superbly led and supported his team, demanding excellence from his personnel and enabling them to excel under all circumstances.”

While performing his duties as a Navy Security Force Patrolman, Patrol Supervisor, and Reaction Force Member, PFC Moore displayed exceptional levels of leadership and management acumen resulting in the following noteworthy accomplishments:

• Graduated from the 524-hour hour Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Uniformed Police Training Program
• Qualified as an NSF Patrolman, Patrol Supervisor, and Watch Commander – all positions normally held by higher GS-level personnel Qualified as a Field Training Officer responsible for training/qualifying new military and civilian NSF patrolmen
• Qualified as a Reaction Force Team Member – a first responder for intrusions, active shooters, and all emergencies
• Member of the Command Antiterrorism Training Team, and the Command Integrated Training Team
• Completed six FEMA Emergency Management Institution courses

Mr. Moore’s training was put to use October 28, 2020, when he responded to a report of a possible active shooter at Webster Field where he met additional military and civilian responding units, formed a Reaction Force, and made a tactical entry in the building in question, where the suspect was eventually detained without incident.

PFC Moore then coordinated with units on the ground to facilitate administrative processing, suspect and witness questioning, and provide detailed information to NCIS, Incident Command, and the Emergency Operations Center.

“PFC Moore is always dependable and demonstrates strong initiative evidenced by his drive and focus to excel professionally,” wrote LT Izdepski, in his nomination package. “At the same time, he also coordinates and supports command-sponsored community outreach programs and activities such as the 2020 National Night Out, Trunk or Treat, and Toys for Tots events, which build trust and positive relations between law enforcement and the communities in which first responders serve.”

Both will now advance to the Naval District Washington Region level of competition.

This article was written by Donna Cipolloni of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office.