Prospective commanding officers (PCO) from Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT), participated in a media role player training evolution at the Naval Safety Center Studio on Naval Station Norfolk, June 4.

The training consisted of a scenario in which Navy public affairs officers and mass communication specialists posed as civilian media to give the PCOs the opportunity to be interviewed on camera and then later, watch their interview and receive feedback.
The PCOs were exposed to one-on-one interviews and open forum question and answer sessions.

Cmdr. Christopher Osborn, PCO of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764), said the training provided great exposure in working with the media.

"There was an element of realism that really puts you on the spot and you often times will act differently when you're in front of a live camera," Osborn said. "In the same way that other types of training serve as a stress inoculation, this training better prepares you to work with the media and represent not only your crew, but the Navy well."

Lt. Stephanie Homick, public affairs officer, U.S. Fleet Forces, took part in the media training exercise for the second time and believes it's mutually beneficial for both the role players and the trainees.

"As a PAO, it's important to help prepare our leadership for media engagements. Not only is this good training for the officers we prepared, but it is useful training for my line of work," said Homick. "It's important that all leaders are prepared to answer questions from the media because you are always representing the Navy. Without practicing these kinds of media engagements, leaders may not realize some of their habits and it helps them feel more comfortable standing in front of a camera."

U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs offers media training to senior officers, civilians, installation commanding officers, and anyone with any pending media engagements. SUBLANT requires that all prospective PCOs go through the course as part of their preparation pipeline.

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