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SBT 20 Opens New Storage Facility

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100715-23
7/15/2010

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger, Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Special Boat Team (SBT) 20, one of two commands in the Department of Defense specifically designated to conduct special operations in coastal environments, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new 57,000 square foot storage facility in Virginia Beach, Va., July 9.

"This building was conceived and designed by SWCCs (special warfare combantant-craft crewmen), built specifically for SWCCs and will be used by SWCCs," said SBT 22 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bernie McMahon. "Because of your dedication, professionalism, warrior focus and sheer determination in the face of countless obstacles, the SWCC community has evolved into the premier special operations force that dominates the maritime domain. It is only fitting that such a force has a building specifically designed to fit its operational needs."

The building is primarily a storage building with 180 cages for operators to store their gear, 16 larger detachment cages and a load-out bay. The building's second story is modular, allowing it to be reconfigured for multiple purposes, such as different classroom setups or divided into quadrants for more individual users. Having this building will directly contribute to upgrading the training capability and mission readiness of SBT 20.

The building is designed to be energy and water efficient, keeping in line with Department of Defense guidelines for environmental stewardship. Under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, the building earned the silver rating. The developer, Sauer, created a marsh to filter the rain water before it enters the Chesapeake Bay, used certified wood from sustainable growing practices, utilized construction methods which limited indoor environmental pollutants and recycled more than 85 percent of the construction waste, saving more than 900 tons of material from going to the landfill.

Retired Command Master Chief Frank Walters was the guest speaker. He had been heavily involved in the development of the SWCC Navy enlisted classification, SWCC pin and one of the state-of-the-art craft they drive, the special operations craft-riverine. Walter discussed the evolution of the SWCC community and how proud he was of where they were headed.

"When I was first stationed here on Little Creek, we worked out of Quonset huts," said Walters. "It's nice to see as this community of professionals grows, the facilities needed to complete the mission improve as well."