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COMNAVSURFLANT Headquarters Relocates

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS131101-22
Release Date: 11/1/2013 3:20:00 PM

From Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), cut the ribbon to the command's new building Nov. 1, officially recognizing the relocation of his headquarters from Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads to Naval Station Norfolk.

'I want to thank everybody for their hard work,' said Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao.

'Really, it took all of you [SURFLANT civilians and Sailors] to accomplish the move. I know it was a lot of work and it took some people out of their comfort zone, but the move really puts us in a better position to support our ships.

'The move brings our 'ohana' [family] closer together.'

The previous SURFLANT commander, Rear Adm. David Thomas, initiated the move to Naval Station's Building D-29, with the intent of positioning the headquarters and its staff much closer to the waterfront.

Former headquarters of U.S. 2nd Fleet, the building received a nine-month renovation project to better support the SURFLANT staff. Led by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and contractor Archer Weston, the effort resulted in modernized conferencing facilities, upgraded audio-visual equipment, and computer and telephone lines. It features a more open design to enhance face-to-face communication between different work centers.

The six-week move-in period saw more than 600 Sailors and civilian personnel move their files, gear and supplies to the new headquarters. The transported equipment included more than 700 computers, 27 printers, and countless boxes of files, paperwork and miscellaneous items.

SURFLANT was located in its previous headquarters since it was established in 1975 as a consolidation of the Cruiser-Destroyer, Amphibious, and Surface Forces in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The command is one of six U.S. Naval Type Commands and supports more than 70 ships as well as special mission and fleet support units that make up nearly 30 additional commands of the Force.

SURFLANT ships maintain constant readiness to engage enemy land targets, aircraft, ships, and submarines. Naval Beach Group 2, consisting of the Amphibious Seabees (PHIBCB 2), Beach Master Unit 2, and Assault Craft Units 2 and 4, provide essential pre- and post-landing support to our Amphibious Forces.