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Officer Training Command to Get New Command Quarters

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100819-05
8/19/2010

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic awarded a $38.2 million contract Aug. 13 to Absher Construction Company, Inc. of Puyallup, Wash., for construction of an Officer Training Command (OTC) quarters at Naval Station Newport, R.I.

Work to be performed provides for the construction of a new 112,500 square-foot high-rise, multistory structure that will contain berthing for OTC students, common areas, building utility rooms and training support/administrative spaces for the command.

"We train 65 percent of the Navy's officers at OTC Newport. The current Nimitz Hall has been part of the officer training experience for more than four decades. It has held up faithfully, but it is an outdated facility with constant maintenance issues," said Capt. Kenneth Gray, OTC commanding officer. "Our enlisted Sailors at Recruit Training Command live and train in state-of-the art facilities designed to optimize the boot camp training experience. We are excited that the new Nimitz Hall will be an energy efficient, functional design that will similarly enhance the officer accession training experience."

The new facility will provide updated quarters for 464 OTC personnel in 957 square-foot, 2+2 modules in which four students will share two bedrooms and a common space and kitchen area. The building's heating and plumbing system upgrades allow for each module to have its own bathroom, and the upgraded electrical services will make it easier for students to use their computers without running the risk of a power shortage.

Sustainable design will be integrated into the design, development and construction of the project. The buildings will achieve Leadership in Energy and Design Silver certification and includes solar collectors for use as a hot water storage system and a geothermal HVAC system.

Modernization of the OTC quarters with updated amenities is a strong recruiting and retention tool and will help the OTC accomplish its mission to develop civilians, enlisted and newly commissioned personnel morally, mentally and physically and imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to prepare graduates for service in the fleet as naval officers.

NAVFAC manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world, providing the Navy's forces with the operating, expeditionary, support and training bases they need.

Work will be performed in Newport, R.I., and is expected to be completed by February 2012.