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Halawa Firing Range Keeps Hawaii-Based Security Qualified

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090224-14
Release Date: 2/24/2009 11:58:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

AIEA, Hawaii (NNS) -- Sailors who teach weapons training help maintain security aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor.

Sailors assigned to NAVSTA Pearl Harbor Security who work at Halawa Firing Range in Aiea, Hawaii are responsible for the biannual small-arms qualifications of more than 500 shore-based naval security personnel aboard NAVSTA Pearl Harbor and Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands.

"Getting our qualifications to carry a weapon allows us to keep up with the security for the entire base," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Paul Rich, assigned to NAVSTA Pearl Harbor security. "It's very important in maintaining the safety of all our Sailors here at Navy Region Hawaii."

Personnel who carry a 9mm Beretta pistol or Mossberg 500 shotgun, must undergo three stages of firing exercises. A low-light phase, designed to familiarize personnel with the inherent handicaps of low-visibility firing and the necessary compensations. The second is a practical phase, designed to test the ability to effectively engage targets while moving throughout the course. Finally, personnel must pass a static phase testing the accuracy of the shooter from different yard-lines on the course requiring a minimum score of 180 out of 240 to pass.

"Anyone can fire a weapon, but here, we teach everyone how to utilize the weapon the proper way, as well as training them on what to do if anything goes wrong when firing the weapon," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeff Rang, a range safety officer at the firing range assigned to NAVSTA Pearl Harbor Security.

The importance of knowing how to use the firearm can be critical at times but that is just half of the training. Often overlooked is the knowledge of what to do in case of a weapon malfunction.

"It's important for us to know how to use these weapons the right way, but we also need to [know] the ins and outs of these weapons as well," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Kyle Peterson, assigned to NAVSTA Pearl Harbor Security. "You never know if, or when, the weapon could malfunction, and having the proper training could be the difference between life and death."

"Even though NAVSTA Pearl Harbor is under tight security, something could always happen, therefore having security personnel that are properly trained helps in protecting everyone on the base as well as any innocent bystanders that may be at nearby Navy housing," said Rang.