New Navy Barracks Nears Completion

Enlisted sailors will be getting nicer living quarters soon as the Navy moves toward completion of new barracks on the Port Hueneme Navy base.

Officials on Tuesday broke ground for the final two buildings being built for unmarried enlisted sailors stationed there. The housing replaces quarters built in the 1940s and 1950s, which have been torn down during the past few years.

Four new buildings have already been completed. In all, the new barracks will house about 830 enlisted sailors, Lt. Cmdr. David Georges said.

Suites in the newest quarters, expected to be finished in October, 1998, at a cost of $12 million, will consist of two single bedrooms, joined by a shared kitchenette and restroom. The barracks mark a big step up from the older buildings, where up to four sailors roomed together, Georges said.

Local leaders on hand for Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony included Port Hueneme Mayor Anthony Volante and a representative of U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), Georges said.

The new barracks reflect the Navy’s emphasis on retaining enlisted personnel, Georges said.

“In the past, we were more concerned about ships. We needed to make a nice port for the ships to be in,” Georges said. Now, he said, “the goal is to retain these sailors for careers . . . the goal is to take care of these high-quality people.”