Naval Station Everett Reopens Shooting Range

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Station Everett (NSE) held a reopening ceremony for its newly remodeled small arms shooting range, March 25.

The 25-yard, 5-lane, indoor range facility was updated to accommodate up to 7.62 rifle fire. Before the remodel it was rated for only pistol and shotgun fire. The facility is used by Sailors assigned to NSE security and ships moored at NSE for small arms qualification and training.

Les Richardson, the Navy Region Northwest Small Arms Training Center Manager, said the remodel project was to make qualifying on all Navy-issue small arms more convenient and efficient for Sailors.

"It's to enable Sailors to qualify here at the range, rather than have them travel to other ranges in the region," said Richardson. "It's going to save a lot of time, money, and allow the shooters to get back to work in a shorter amount of time."

The range went through several updates during the remodel project, including updated steel plating on walls and ceiling baffles, improved interior lighting, improved sound proofing, along with other minor revisions.

Due to the enhancements, Sailors stationed at NSE can complete all the basic qualifications for rifle, pistol, and shotgun, including lowlight shoots and practical weapons courses.

Such qualifications are required in order for Sailors to carry weapons during certain duties like standing security watches or participating in a ship's small caliber action team.

"Upgrading the range to full rifle capability allows us to qualify Sailors on the full range of weapons and pistol courses," said Mark Brooks, NSE operations officer.

During the ceremony, Capt. Michael J. Coury, NSE commanding officer, praised the NSE operations team for updating the range, and said the range would be a great help in ensuring NSE and it's ships' personnel were fully trained and battle ready.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit, www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw.