Friday, OCT. 1, 2010 • NOrThwesT NavigaTOr > WHIDBEY EDITION www.NOrThwesTNavigaTOr.COm Page 13

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By MC2 Nardel GervacioNPASE Det. NW

The new Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Security Office officially opened Sept. 22, consoli-dating security spaces and providing more streamlined processes for the installa-tion’s security team.

Located in what was once the base Navy Calibration Laboratory, the new upgrad-ed security building now includes physical security equipment, communication systems with fiber optics, an armory and vault equipment and electrical upgrades.

The renovated space includes administration, communication and fin-gerprint rooms, evidence storage, breathalyzer equip-ment, file spaces, additional storage, training, briefing and a conference room.

The old security office was once located in build-ings adjacent to one another. Building 180, located off base on Langley Boulevard, was one of two former celestial training facilities that were built in 1944 at Ault Field.

“The most exciting thing about this new building is the fact that they designed it for security forces in mind,” said Lt. Karla Bennet, NAS Whidbey Island security officer. “So instead of adapt-ing to a building that was made for something else, they actually gutted the building and made it for us, which was amazing.”

Building 220, the second of two former celestial navi-gation training facilities was built in 1945. The building is nearly identical to build-ing 180 with the exception of building 220’s two-story entrance and the absence of an observation tower.

“I strongly believe that people work smarter and harder if they’re treated right and have a decent place to work,” said Capt. Jay Johnston, NAS Whidbey Island commanding offi-cer. “That’s a little different for our security workforce because they are almost always out and about on patrol and standing sentry duty at the gates and being the eyes and ears of the base.”

With its new location on base, the security forces increase their response time during emergency situa-tions.

“I have no doubt that consolidating the security workforce into one building will improve their morale as well as their efficiency and effectiveness,” said Johnston. “Connectivity is a

key element to a responsive security force.”

Before the move, security had supplies in four differ-ent locations, a disadvan-tage that added a challenge to security forces trying to conduct proper inventories, said Bennet.

“Almost everything is now located in the building with the exception of the dog kennel, which will remain at its original location on Langley Boulevard and the Pass and ID office,” said Bennet. “We have everyone consolidated in one build-ing which is phenomenal.”

In addition to the interior renovations and improve-ments, the exterior of the security building includes an enclave fence with two automated pedestrian turn-stiles, one automated vehi-cle gate and upgraded site lightings.

“The members of the security forces keep us safe, they protect the buildings, equipment and aircraft we’re responsible for. They deserve a great place to

work,” said Johnston.“It tells them that some-

one cares about them,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Lorili McDowell, Base Security. “Many of the MAs

have been working out of the old building and mak-ing the best of it. They final-ly have a new building, and they deserve it.

Construction, renova-

tion and re-modeling of the new security building began on Sept. 21, 2009 and were completed on Aug. 2; the remodeled space is approxi-mately 17,640 square feet.

New security building enhances capabilities

NAS Whidbey photos

Left, Capt. Jay Johnston, NAS Whidbey Island Commanding Officer (left) and Capt. Pat Rios, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest hold up the police tape while NAS Whidbey Island Security Officer, Lt. Karla Bennett, unlocks the handcuffs Sept. 22, and invites everyone into the new Security Department now located in building 994. Right, Lt. Karla Bennett, NAS Whidbey Island Security Officer, flanked by Master-at-Arms Senior Chief Brett Kittelson and NGS site manager, John Spencer, cuts into a delicious cake decorated for the occasion by Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Brandon West of VAQ-132, Sept. 22.