Funds Sought for Bigger, Better Barracks : Navy: Battalion center in Port Hueneme asks for $9 million in federal money to build facilities with more space and more showers.

In some cases, as many as three people are crammed into a single room--in dilapidated buildings 30 to 40 years old. They must share community-style bathrooms and group showers.

The lack of privacy and the substandard conditions are part of everyday life for hundreds of sailors in barracks at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, officials said.

“If I put myself in their shoes, I don’t know if I could live in those conditions, having to take a shower with 20 other guys,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bill Davidson.

As part of an ongoing effort to upgrade its living facilities, the battalion center is seeking $9 million in federal money to build two new barracks to house 268 male and female enlisted personnel, he said.

The Navy replaced four barracks last year and is in the process of renovating 500 housing units used by personnel with families. The improved housing is part of a broader attempt by the government to improve the quality of life in the military to attract and retain good personnel, Davidson said.

The new three-story barracks would be 30% larger than the facilities they will replace, helping to alleviate overcrowding, he said. There would be a maximum of two people assigned to each room, which would also have its own bathroom with shower.

Community leaders--including Carolyn Leavens, president of the Ventura Economic Development Assn.--helped lobby government officials for the housing money.

Leavens said it’s important for the community to show its support for the Navy if it wants to retain and expand base operations in the face of continuing defense cutbacks.

“The skids were already greased,” she said. “But it helps to have that extra push. I know how much difference it makes when local people put their backs into it.”

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Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) were among those who pushed to get the request for the $9 million inserted into an appropriations bill recently sent to President Clinton for approval.

“It’s something that is desperately needed,” Gallegly said. “The living conditions by anyone’s standards are nothing less than deplorable. That has a profound effect on morale and productivity. Our military deserves better than that.”

Gallegly said he expects that President Clinton, who is seeking reelection, will approve the appropriation.

“I don’t anticipate that he’s not going to sign it,” Gallegly said.

If approved, the housing money would be available immediately for the Navy to begin accepting bids, he said. The new barracks would probably be built within a 24-month period, officials said.

Meanwhile, leaders of a lobbying group that fought to keep the Point Mugu naval base from closure encouraged local businesses Monday to participate in workshops this week aimed at expanding operations at the county’s two bases.

The Community Navy Action Partnership is seeking to bring more jobs to the bases at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme.

In addition, the group is also looking to help local defense contractors diversify and adapt to the commercial marketplace.

County Supervisor John K. Flynn, a member of the group, said officials are concerned about the Navy downsizing its local operations in the future and want to take the initiative in protecting the bases from cutbacks.

“We need the support of the community and the business community to help us in this effort,” Flynn said.