Emergency Response Drill At Fort Hamilton Base Simulates Underwater Recovery Of World War I Explosive

By on March 29, 2013  News
Mar 292013
 
(Photo via USAG Fort Hamilton/Facebook.com)

(Photo via USAG Fort Hamilton/Facebook.com)

The United States Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton ran a joint training exercise yesterday (March 28) involving civilian and security personnel.

This picture was posted on their Facebook page today with the following note:

Sgt. Kevin Meccariello with the 24th Civil Support Team performs environmental testing for potential contamination during a joint training exercise with Joint Task Force Empire Shield who provided the security element for the exercise March 28 in Building 210. The scenario simulated a fisherman who accidentally pulled a potentially contaminated and undetonated mortar round from World War I that had been submerged for many years. The scenario also included an active shooter.

That’s an interesting scenario, given the World War II-era explosives that were found under the Verrazano Bridge in 2010 in just 20 feet of water. I wonder how high a probability the garrison puts on such a scenario ever playing out – hopefully, it is one of those things they don’t think will ever happen, but recognize it is possible, and they’re training on it for the sake of maximum preparedness.

Saturday: Run For The Fallen For Fort Hamilton Families

By on August 15, 2012  Health & Fitness
Aug 152012
 

The following announcement for the Run For The Fallen four-mile run is taken from the Fort Hamilton MWR website. Hat tip goes out to Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who totally just joined Twitter yesterday. Additional information and online registration is available here.

On August 18th, 2012 runners will join the Fort Hamilton Family & MWR to run in memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  All participants will have the ability to write the name of a Fallen Service Member of their choice on their runners bib.

Registration begins at 730am and will be held on the park grounds. Pre-registration and day of registration tables will be marked accordingly. The run begins promptly at 9am. Continue reading »

Congressman Grimm Speaks Out Against Possible Cuts To Fort Hamilton WMD Team

By on May 15, 2012  Politics
May 152012
 

Photo source: House.gov / Office of Michael Grimm

Yesterday, Congressman Michael Grimm (R-Staten Island) held a press conference with community members and Iraq War veterans at Fort Hamilton to speak out against a Department of Defense plan to eliminate one of New York State’s two National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST), one of which resides at the Bay Ridge army base.

“At a time when New York City remains the number one terror target in the nation, it is completely nonsensical to cut such an essential asset to our safety and security. The 24th National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team located at Fort Hamilton plays a crucial role in assisting our NYPD, first responders, and other agencies in the event high-risk situations. Shutting down NYC’s only CST would be a tremendous loss and could leave our city more vulnerable to attack,” said Rep. Michael Grimm. Continue reading »

It’s My Park Day This Saturday, May 19

By on May 15, 2012  Events
May 152012
 

Source: Shore Road Parks Conservancy

As we mentioned earlier in the month, It’s My Park Day will be this coming Saturday, May 19.

Volunteers are invited to help with some spring cleaning in Bay Ridge’s beautiful shore-front parks. Activities will include painting, planting, weeding, sweeping, raking, handling sign-in sheets, tools and refreshments.

According to a press release put out by the Shore Road Parks Conservancy, there are six different meeting points – as well as corresponding times – for anyone looking to lend their park a helping hand:

  • 97th Street Park Entrance (10am to 2pm)
  • 90th Street Gazebo (9am to 12pm)
  • *New waterfront site meeting* by the Flagpole at Shore Rd & 81st St (9am to 12pm)
  • Narrows Botanical Gardens (10am to 1pm)
  • The Flagpole at 81st Street (9am to 12pm)
  • Owl’s Head Park (11am to 2pm)

The plethora of local groups that are slated participate include Adelphi Academy, Arab American Association of NY (AAANY), Asian Community United Society (ACUS), Bay Ridge Food Coop, Bay Ridge Prep, Boy Scouts – St Anselm, Community Board 10, Cornerstone Church at Bay Ridge, East Coast Kruzers, Egyptian American Community Foundation (EACF), First Church of the Brethren, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Fort Hamilton Army Base, Fort Hamilton HS, JROTC & National Honor Society, Gateway Church, The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC), Moroccan American House Association (MAHA), NIA Community Services, and NY Army National Guard Joint Task Force-Empire Shield.

Sponsors include the City Parks Foundation, Foodtown, Bay Ridge Manor, and the Partnership for Parks.

If you’re interested in more information, please call (347) 723-2555, e-mail the Shore Road Conservancy at info@shoreroadparks.org, or visit nycgovparks.org and shoreroadparks.org.

Bay Ridge Community Council announces executive board, May 6 picnic

By on April 26, 2012  Events
Apr 262012
 

The Bay Ridge Community Council will be holding its annual family picnic on Sunday, May 6, at the Fort Hamilton army base. Held from 11am to 5pm on the bluff overlooking the Narrows, the BRCC will be hosting a wide variety of games at the picnic. Admission is $2, and be sure to bring your photo ID. (You know… army rules.) Bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, table, chairs and/or blanket.

Check that – if you’re bringing your own table and chairs, I say you’re missing the point of a picnic. Picnics are for sitting cross-legged on the ground. (If necessary, the rain date will be Sunday, June 3.)

The Bay Ridge Community Council has also announced its new executive board members for 2012-2013. As reported by Helen Klein of the Home Reporter, Renee Dorsa, the president of the Brooklyn Real Estate Board, will be taking over as BRCC President. Alex Conti, the outgoing three-term President, will become the organization’s 1st vice president. Karen Tadross (2nd vice president), Chandra Hira (recording secretary), Joseph Sbarra (treasurer), Arlene Keating (executive secretary), and Frank Lombardi (corresponding secretary) will fill out the executive board.