NAS Oceana Skeet Trap Range Reopens
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080310-02
Release Date: 3/10/2008 8:49:00 AM
By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- With the call of "pull," and a blast of a shotgun shell, the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Skeet Trap Range was officially reopened March 1 after being closed for renovations 15 months ago.
The shot fired by NAS Oceana Executive Officer, Capt. Mark Rich, ended skeet enthusiasts' long trips to Richmond, Va., to practice their sport. Those enthusiasts included members of the Navy's Skeet Team, where seven of the 10 members are stationed at Hampton Roads area commands, so reopening the facility has made practice much more convenient and cheaper for the team.
"Nearly all the skeet team members are in the Norfolk area, so this range is a tremendous asset to the Navy Skeet Team," said Capt. Don Berry, who serves as captain of the team, which can be found practicing after normal working hours and on weekends at the range.
Rich acknowledged the efforts of many loyal customers who worked to get the range reopened, after it was closed 15 months ago.
"This facility is well supported and this is a great opportunity," Rich said.
Rich commended the Morale, Welfare and Recreation maintenance and skeet range staff on how quickly the renovations were made to the facility. Rich noted that when he toured the range nearly seven weeks ago, there was still a great deal of work to be done.
"This place has come a long way in a very short period of time," said Rich.
During the time the range was closed, there were many renovations and upgrades made to the entire facility, which is located on the north end of the base, off Potters Road.
"We've completely redone the inside and changed the layout," said Skeet Range Manager Dan Prophett. "We're trying to make this 'shooter-friendly,' by having customers schedule their times to shoot, much like tee times for golf."
Prophett who is also the manager of the Outdoor Equipment Rental Center, has two full-time employees at the range, along with several volunteers such as Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 2nd Class (AW) Charles Estelle, stationed at Strike Fighter Weapons School at Oceana.
"He's been a big help getting this done," Prophett said about Estelle, who was instrumental in rewiring all of the five stand machines in time for the reopening. Estelle also tackled nearly any other task the staff needed, including ground maintenance and trash pick up.
Estelle has a very personal reason for helping. A four-year member of the Navy Skeet Team, Estelle is currently ranked as the Navy's top shooter. During the many months the Oceana range was closed, he made the trip to Richmond -- the closest range – four to five times a week to practice. For Estelle, it was an understatement to say he was upset when the range closed in early 2007.
"It's close. It's a nice place, good atmosphere, good people," explained Estelle about why he has devoted so much of his own time helping to get the skeet range reopened.
Lessons for all ages and all levels are taught by John Daubenschmidt, a retired master chief intelligence specialist and former member of the Navy Skeet Team. Daubenschmidt is also a certified shotgun instructor.
Prophett explained that by starting the lessons early or offering them on days the range is normally closed to the public.
"It will provide for better one-on-one time with the kids to show them how to shoot," said Prophett.
The skeet range is also home to the "Top Gunners," a competitive and educational shotgun club for ages 10-18. The group's focus is on safety and community support. All members complete hunter safety courses and are involved in Scholastic Clay Target Program. The Top Gunners have placed second and third in national championships in past years. Members compete in both ability and age categories.
Daubenschmidt explained the goal of the youth program is to send members to a higher level of competition and eventually the Junior Olympics.
Prophett was pleased to see the tremendous number of people who showed up for the grand reopening.
For more news from Naval Air Station Oceana, visit www.navy.mil/local/oceana/.
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