Connecticut State Office of Military Affairs

Smart Improvements and Changes Continue at SUBASE

Ginda discusses ongoing transformation
By Navy New London Public Affairs
January 29, 2009
GROTON, Conn. - As the first month of every new year, January is often a time of reflection and renewal, motivation and momentum. President Barack Obama in his Inaugural Address called on the Nation to remember "who we are and how far we have traveled;" and Vice Adm. Bob Conway, Jr., who turns over the helm as Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to Vice Adm. Michael Vitale tomorrow, took such stock in his last Commander's Corner for CNIC's semi-monthly newsletter. "We have turned 13 regions and 79 installations into an Echelon II enterprise able to prepare for, predict, and adapt to the changing environment and demands placed on the Navy's installations," said Conway. "We accomplished this while arresting the decline of the shore's condition and now have better bases for our Sailors and their families." For Naval Submarine Base New London's Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark S. Ginda, Conway's choice of words, "arresting the decline of the shore's condition," artfully captures the changing conditions in Groton. "There were those who saw and treated the base as a throwaway," says Ginda. "With the Submarine Force planning to homeport 14 submarines here for the long term, we are NOT a throwaway. If anything, we should be emblematic of Groton's title as Submarine Capital of the World. We must be the role model. And, that's exactly what we've been seeing as CNIC and CNRMA (Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic) continue to implement Shore Vision 2035. We've not only 'arrested the decline' in infrastructure at SUBASE, we've reversed it in many areas." Shore Vision 2035 is the new vision of shore basing. It includes a substantial reduction of base infrastructure and a model of base layout that zones infrastructure along functional lines. The plan, looking toward 2035, aims to reduce the financial drain of unneeded infrastructure - buildings, land and other facilities - and devote the funds to recapitalizing bases and other needs of the Navy. "For SUBASE, the bottom line of 2035 is to improve the services, infrastructure, and work environment that allow us as Team New London to meet our dual mission: to deploy combat-ready submarines and crews, and to train a corps of professional submariners," says Ginda. "In the past year, there have been a myriad of projects and the new year brings even more on the way. It's all paying dividends to our fleet, fighters, and families." Ginda uses his own artful turn of phase to reflect on the state of SUBASE. "Big and small, demolition and construction, the base is indeed transforming," says Ginda. "If you're static, not changing and improving, then you remain a faded relic. 2009 will see a range of smart, needed infrastructure improvements furthering SUBASE's movement toward Shore Vision 2035. You could call it becoming a crown jewel on a budget." The Dolphin staff recently sat down with Capt. Ginda to review the state of the base and the newest jewels in its crown to better serve the fleet, fighter, and family.

FLEET
["Fleet" represents the operating forces of the Navy. Focus ensures all installation requirements necessary to train and operate the Fleets are maintained and ready regardless of tempo.] Lower base piers continue to be at the heart of fleet improvements at SUBASE. With little fanfare to delineate it from the characteristic daily execution of exemplary submarine movement support, the new Pier 6 received its first tenant when USS Texas (SSN 775) moored there in early September 2008. Placing the pier in service marked the completion of a more than $30 million project began with the demolition of Pier 4 and the old Pier 6, as well as the demolition of Pier 13. Almost twice the width, at 65 feet, of the pier it replaced and some 500 feet long, the new Pier 6 joined Pier 17 as the base's fully functioning modern piers. "Comfortably able to berth Virginia Class submarines on both sides, the real impact of the new Pier 6 is its width," said Ginda. "I like to refer to it as a 'double-wide,' able to accommodate cranes or trucks in support of one boat on one side of the pier, while in no way impeding any service supporting the other boat on the other side of the pier." As the new Pier 6 entered service, funding was approved for the Pier 31 project. Declared unsuitable for submarine mooring some 18 months ago as a result of its significantly decayed wooden fender and piling system, Pier 31 was designed in 1968 and built in 1973 for Sturgeon-Class submarines. The $46 million new Pier 31 project will demolish the existing pier and construct another modern one capable of berthing Los Angeles class or Virginia Class submarines. Ginda anticipates the Navy awarding the Pier 31 project in June and entering service in 2012; he and looks forward to the base adding two more "double-wides" by 2015. Less visible but no less significant was the team effort by the Regional Support Group, Naval Submarine Support Facility (NSSF) , Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), and SUBASE to specify waterfront crane service requirements and obtain necessary NAVFAC resources to better match demand. Included in the effort was a comprehensive assessment and streamlining of crane scheduling procedures. Additionally, the nearly $4 million design and build project for a Waterfront Crane Maintenance Facility is nearing completion. The facility will be the first of its kind at SUBASE, as mobile cranes will now be able to be stored and maintained indoors, out of the often harsh New England weather. Ginda believes the 10,000-square-foot facility will make an immediate impact. "NAVFAC's cranes are vital to support SUBASE's submarines. From weapons and stores loading, to periscope and mast maintenance, to battery change outs, cranes are absolutely essential to our operations on the waterfront," said Ginda. "This new crane maintenance facility is going to significantly enhance reliable crane availability, extend crane life, and provide a safe environment for maintenance personnel. Also making an impact on SUBASE's service and support to submarines on the waterfront will be a new Waterfront Operations Center and Small Craft Facility. This nearly $12 million project will demolish Building 110 and build a new Port Operations command and control hub on the same footprint. Ginda anticipates that the award for the design and build project will be made in June. Once the center is constructed, SUBASE Port Operations will move from Buildings 79 and 85 in to the new facility and those buildings will be demolished. This theme is hand in hand with Shore Vision 2035 as equally important to construction across SUBASE is demolition. SUBASE continues one of the most ambitious demolition projects in the Navy, razing more than 35 buildings and structures through a more than $18 million undertaking of projects that will see noteworthy savings as a result. At the core of the efforts are 18 buildings each more than 4, 000 square feet in area; the project totals will reduce infrastructure footprint by more than 470,000 square feet through demolition. Annual savings in utilities and maintenance, and elimination of backlogged repairs, tied the demolished structures translates to "project payback," according to Ginda. Ginda, himself, recently took some of the demolition into his own hands as he manned the controls of a backhoe and helped raze Building 98, the former home of the base's Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) contingent. Upon approval of necessary permits, demolition of the waterfront's Pier 1 and the empty barracks, Buildings 442 and 447, at the corner of Crystal Lake Road and Route 12 will begin within six weeks. "Demolition is clearly helping us make the way for the base of the future," said Ginda. "Tearing down antiquated and excess structures will not only allow us to save in utilities and pursue development of more green space and parking, but also allow us to embrace Shore Vision 2035 construction opportunities and put the right people in the right spaces."

FIGHTER
["Fighter" represents the men and women in the operating forces. Focus ensures the installation's ability to facilitate the manning, training and equipping of the Navy's fighting force never skips a beat.] While a key facet of SUBASE's mission is to support the submarines homeported here, another key facet is to support the submariners training here. SUBASE tenants, the Submarine Learning Center (SLC) and the Naval Submarine School, comprise the center of excellence for Submarine Force Training. "Dedicated to providing submarine Sailors the necessary tools to lead the Force into the 21st Century, the SLC strives to embrace and integrate modern training and education systems and advancements," said Ginda. "Currently, however, the Center has to direct its many school houses and training curricula from within a repurposed and less than ideal, 1940's era headquarters building." That will soon change as a $9.3 million project to design and build a new SLC headquarters commences. Ginda anticipates that the award for the project will be made in April. Another major SUBASE project aimed at improving the training and readiness of the fighter is the long-awaited $11 million, indoor small arms range, to be awarded by year's end. The existing base outdoor small arms range, with its ten firing-lanes, was constructed in 1950; and while it continues to support training with hundreds of thousands of rounds fired annually, it has exceeded its expected service life, according to Ginda. "Of course, the challenge and limiting factor, familiar to any Sailor who has trained there in recent months is weather," noted Ginda. "The structure has a roof but otherwise is unprotected from New England winters and weather." Weather often impacts training schedules, resulting in extended hours and weekend operations to meet training requirements. "The new indoor facility will be state-of-the art and provide a much better environment to learn small arms basics and hone skills," said Ginda. With 20 lanes and capable of supporting weapons training for pistol, rifle, shotgun, and up to M60 machine gun, the new facility will include training classroom space, armory and office space, bathrooms, and storage. An Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMAT) will also be included at the facility. The ISMAT trainer simulates the recoil and noise associated with live-firing and will be a boon in familiarizing students with weapons handling. Another boon for students has been SUBASE's Liberty Center. The new expanded center celebrated a grand reopening, Oct. 30, 2008. The reopening marked the completion of a $1.2 million major renovation project which began in March 2008, and has now nearly doubled the size of the center and improved its amenities. Under the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) umbrella of programs and services, the center offers single Sailors a great opportunity for entertainment and amusement with three new pool tables; 3 new multifunction gaming tables; 14 new 36-inch and larger flat screen televisions and monitors connected to video gaming stations ranging from Playstation to Xbox360 to Wii; more than 26 new computers equipped with free high speed internet; a new snack area; and, a mini-movie theater with stadium style seating for 34 viewers. "Bob Kydd, our base MWR director, has dubbed the new center 'double the size and double the fun,' I couldn't agree more," laughed Ginda. "There is always something to do at the Liberty Center and with the Single Sailor Program." Student and SUBASE resident quality of life improvements are also making a difference in barracks and bachelor housing complexes. SUBASE completed $1.3 million in recent renovations to these facilities. Free "WiFi" is now available in all the lounges and laundry rooms, and there are new carpeting and wall fixtures in common areas and passageways. This coming spring will bring new flat screen televisions to the lounges as well as new laundry equipment, according to Ginda. "We'll do our utmost to ensure the comforts of home in Bachelor Housing," he said. One of the biggest initiatives Ginda has been advocating for is a new fitness complex. Not projected to be undertaken until 2012, the proposed more than $40 million complex would consolidate and co-locate the base's racquetball, pool, gym, and fitness facilities. "Our base gym, swimming pool, and fitness center have undergone renovations over time, but will be more than 70 years old before replacement," said Ginda. "Despite the best efforts of an engaged and enthusiastic MWR team, the facilities are frankly tired. When you also consider the number of programs and patrons we serve, as well as the challenges posed by New England winters, then it's certainly clear: our Sailors require a new, modern, and consolidated fitness complex."

FAMILY
["Family" represents the men and women of the armed forces and their families. Focus ensures our fighting force is supported on all fronts, our Family and Community Services, Housing and Safety efforts provide the "peace of mind" to allow Big Navy to operate effectively.] Family support and service initiatives over the past 12 months reflect Ginda's continual focus in this area. "Housing is always a major family concern, but our SUBASE public private venture partner, Balfour Beatty, has made tremendous accomplishments," said Ginda In December 2008, the base and its Public Private Venture (PPV) partner marked a housing milestone as the last of the new Nautilus Park community homes were turned over from Balfour Beatty Construction to Balfour Beatty Communities. The completion of Nautilus Park's new construction capped a three year home building effort that brought 559 new town home and single family homes to Groton-New London military housing. The new homes feature 2 ½ baths, fully equipped modern kitchens, central heat and air, plenty of storage space, washer and dryer hookups and garages. Moreover, Balfour Beatty opened its third new community center at Tern Road and a new family-friendly water spray park to cool and entertain youngsters during the summer months. Also within the housing community area, MWR will soon be pursuing a $3 million SUBASE Youth Center expansion project that will include adding needed School Age Care activity rooms to the facility. On base, the new Officers and Chiefs clubs located in Building 429 just marked their one-year anniversary as their grand opening was held, January 25, 2008. The clubs, with a shared kitchen facility as well as multi-media function room, were the first phase of three in the repurposing and renovation of the former barracks. The second phase saw the base branch of the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) relocate to the building and open for business in November 2008. Now occupying more than 3,170 square feet of new first floor office space, this NFCU branch enjoys the ample parking lot of Building 429 which should making banking more convenient for customers. "With the relocation of Navy Gateway Inns and Suites to [Building] 429 this coming summer, the third phase of the building's transformation will be complete," said Ginda. Ginda believes, however, that even more exciting for SUBASE families will be another long awaited project in Groton: a new Commissary. The Defense Commissary Agency has notified SUBASE of its intention to construct a new 57,000 square foot facility immediately adjacent to the existing Commissary and Navy Exchange building. Ginda anticipates project award will take place in 2010 and construction could be completed in 2012. Once the new Commissary is in operation, Navy Exchange Services Command will assume the former Commissary's area and finally have the requisite facility space to bring the furniture and appliance operations, the package store, and existing retail businesses under one roof. While the new Commissary will boast more products and features, such as a full service bakery, SUBASE's Cross Hall Galley will continue to please its more than 50,000 monthly patrons. In 2008, the Galley staff earned its first 5-Star Ney rating in more than a decade. On the entertainment front, the base's special relationship with the Spirit of America Tour led to SUBASE's selection for the Tour's 100th concert. The Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation, which created and coordinates the Tour to bring star entertainers to America's stateside military bases, celebrated the milestone with the Charlie Daniels Band at SUBASE's Dealey Theater in September 2008. Other concerts in 2008 have included Diamond Rio, Aaron Tippin, and Sara Evans. Upcoming headliners for 2009 include the Cherryholmes in March, courtesy of the Spirit of America Tour. "We're going to continue to bring top-notch entertainment to the Home of the Submarine Force whenever we can," said Ginda

COMMUNITY
That moniker, "Home of the Submarine Force," has long been a source of pride for the local community and efforts by the State of Connecticut to contribute to SUBASE's success and operational infrastructure have gained momentum recently. "Connecticut's affinity for our naval heritage has roots in the base's origin; even the land that forms the core of the SUBASE waterfront was a gift from the state," noted Ginda. In 2008, Connecticut became the fourth state in the Nation to sign the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, pledging to standardize and reduce the challenges and impediments to education faced by frequently relocating military dependents. Tomorrow, the State Bond Commission meets to vote on $7.65 million in grants the state desires to gift the Navy to fund infrastructure upgrades at SUBASE. Governor M. Jodi Rell announced last week that a $4.65 million grant would fund upgrades to SUBASE's Naval Submarine Support Facility Dive Locker, and a $3 million grant would go toward replacing the base's power plant boilers. "We are certainly excited about any opportunity to improve SUBASE's ability to meet its mission," said Ginda. "We look forward to working with the State and senior Navy elements in this endeavor."

THE THREE THEMES
Entering his third and final year as SUBASE Commanding Officer, Ginda also reflected on the three yardsticks he established when he assumed command, and continues to use, to measure the difference the base and its team are making every day. "First, I want to make sure the base is a safe and secure environment to do the business we're here to do," said Ginda. "Second, I want us to provide all the services we need to provide in a timely manner and at the right price. And finally, I want to create an enduring positive memory for those who live, work, and visit here. I know we've come a long way by these measurements and there's still a host of work to be done," continued Ginda. "Sure, we had been considered by some to be a relic, cherished but discounted. But we are a faded relic no more. The Navy and the Submarine Force continue to wisely invest in the fleet, fighters, and families stationed here. And, Team New London has embraced the effort and action, dedication and commitment, and motivation and momentum to continue Naval Submarine Base New London's transformation for the years to come."