Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08DILI311
2008-12-16 04:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dili
Cable title:  

THANK YOU FOR TDY OF ARSO PHIL SIMS

Tags:  ASEC AMGT TT 
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VZCZCXRO7041
RR RUEHDT
DE RUEHDT #0311 3510458
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 160458Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA 0061
INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4171
RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI 3665
UNCLAS DILI 000311 

SIPDIS

MANILA FOR DCM AND RSO
STATE FOR DS/IP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC AMGT TT
SUBJECT: THANK YOU FOR TDY OF ARSO PHIL SIMS

UNCLAS DILI 000311

SIPDIS

MANILA FOR DCM AND RSO
STATE FOR DS/IP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC AMGT TT
SUBJECT: THANK YOU FOR TDY OF ARSO PHIL SIMS


1. Embassy Dili extends its sincere thanks to Embassy Manila for
the November 4 - December 13 TDY of ASRO Phil Sims. He ably
managed the heavy routine workload of our one-man RSO shop,
which includes managing our 74-man local guard force and
extensive coordination and information-sharing with the National
Police, other Embassies, and the United Nations mission.
Shortly after his arrival, he met with the Australian Deputy
Chief of Mission and security officer. At the request of the UN
Police Mission, he provided guidance in the case of two
third-country nationals detained at the airport for bringing
counterfeit U.S. currency into the country. He followed up on
this issue with relevant U.S. Secret Service authorities.


2. During his five-week deployment, Phil also met several
exceptional security challenges. He implemented arrangements
for several representational events involving VIPs. The most
notable of these was our Election Day party, which was an
all-day event on the scale of our Fourth of July reception.
There also an ongoing access issue in connection with work on
the compound by a landscaping and construction crew.


3. Phil deserves special commendation for his firm leadership
of our local guard force. He conducted several training
programs for the LGF, including on personnel screening, access
control, vehicle inspection, and professional responsibilities .
Following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, he briefed the LGF
on relevant lessons learned. In response to concerns raised by
the Ambassador, he reviewed and improved our screening
procedures for VIP guests.


4. Phil also responded quickly and effectively to an emergency
outside Dili in which an American citizen was involved in a car
accident, then attacked and injured by a machete-wielding local
man. Phil, working with the consular officer, immediately took
charge of the situation. He followed up with the victim of the
incident and with the local authorities. He also deal
effectively with another vehicle incident involving another US
mission employee.


5. Phil is highly motivated, a true team player, a strong
leader, and a pleasure to work with. Embassy Dili greatly
appreciates his collegiality and willingness to accept the
personal sacrifice associated with this lengthy TDY in a 35
percent hardship post. We would gladly welcome him back.

KLEMM