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SAN DIEGO - Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest and Naval Base Coronado (NBC) partnered with Seabees from Naval Construction Group ONE- (NCG 1) and Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE (ACB 1) to construct a $7.9 million Combat Aircraft Loading Area (CALA) on San Clemente Island (SCI), California. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on April 20 to commemorate the completion of the CALA, which will support live-fire readiness training on SCI for helicopter squadrons assigned to HSM Wing Pacific and other units conducting live-fire training on the island.
SCI CALA construction was executed using the whole of engineering construction concept, which combines the best parts of industry with military engineering contributions in order to execute combat relevant infrastructure construction ahead of conflict, and simultaneously posture military engineers to respond to high-end conflict at the point-of-need. This construction concept balances Department of Defense requirements, military capacity, and private industry to deliver engineering solutions for the security of our nation. NAVFAC Southwest’s contracting authority secured Reyes Construction to provide logistical and technical support, and Seabees from NCG 1 subordinate units and ACB 1 were brought onboard to execute construction activities.
“The results of this combined effort further prove that there is tremendous near-term potential to apply the whole of engineering concept elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific,” said NAVFAC Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Jeff Kilian. “The project was a resounding success and highlights the ‘Can do’ spirit of the Seabees who made this project possible. The contractors did a superb job providing construction and logistics support to enable efficient, economical construction of this project in a remote location.”
"Working together, we completed the largest and most important project the Seabees have been tasked with in recent history. ACB 1 is extremely grateful we could help." said Equipment Operator Second Class Jordan Sieger, Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE Site Supervisor.
San Clemente Island is one of many locations that make up Naval Base Coronado. Unequaled in operational scope and complexity, NBC provides a shore-based platform for helicopters, aircraft carriers, SEAL Teams and other ashore and afloat commands for access to the necessary capacity of ground, sea, and air operations and training space.
"Maintaining and improving the infrastructure of San Clemente Island is important because it is the Navy's only remaining live-fire-range in the continental United States where multiple training scenarios can be carried out at the same time," said Capt. Charles "Newt" McKissick, NBC Commanding Officer. "As such it is crucial to military training and national security. The construction of this CALA is particularly significant as it is a successful partnership between Naval Base Coronado Public Works, San Clemente Island, Seabees from Navy Construction Battalions and NAVFAC Southwest Facilities Engineering Acquisition Division. This partnership was able to maximize capability, training and readiness, and fiscal responsibility.”
The successes from this project highlights the relevance of the Seabees, and the needs and benefits of doing more types of contractor supported projects. The completed project provides San Clemente Island two 125-square-foot CALA pads, an ordinance pad and subsequent utilities improvements consisting of perimeter lighting, lighting windsock, flag pole and emergency post phone.
"San Clemente Island provides a unique training environment for the fleet to meet critical INDOPACOM theater entry requirements, and the construction of two new CALA pads adds a critical capability on San Clemente Island that directly supports war-fighting readiness,” said Capt. Laurie Scott, Commanding Officer for NAVFAC Southwest. “This project not only delivered successful expeditionary construction in a logistically challenged location, but enhanced the technical readiness of our Seabees by working hand-in-hand with an experienced contractor and saving the Navy millions to support a Commander, Naval Air Forces priority."
"This project has provided a great learning experience at both the working level and project management level for the Seabees. The excellent mentorship and guidance that Reyes Construction has imparted on the Seabees has not only brought them up to industry standards but have vastly improved their consultation knowledge and leadership skills" said Lt. Judge Stringer, NMCB 4 Det OIC.
NAVFAC Southwest supports planning, design, construction, real estate, environmental and public works for U.S Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and other supported federal agencies in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2023 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 444669 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 508 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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