Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Lucian Niemeyer visited the Northeast Florida tri-base area Dec. 10-13 to review the installations and be briefed on ongoing projects to improve base infrastructure.

His trip included visits to Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. 

“As our installations are weapon system platforms, the Jacksonville area is critical to sustaining Navy and Marine Corps capabilities across all domains.” said Niemeyer. “I want ensure we are providing the infrastructure and facilities on time and within budget to support our Columbia Class submarines, P-8s, Tritons, Littoral Combat Ships, and the systems maintained at the Fleet Readiness Center.”

During his visit, Niemeyer received briefs on more than a dozen topics. Specific areas he sought information about included:  the NSB Kings Bay Drydock facility, the P-8 airfield and adjacent facilities at NAS Jacksonville, military housing managed by the Navy’s Public Private Venture partners, and energy resiliency projects.

“One of my highlights of the trip was meeting with military families residing in privatized military housing to hear their concerns with the quality of care being provided to the maintenance of the homes by our private sector partners. Our residents are our front line of quality assurance and we will continue to enhance this program for their benefit.”    

Rear Adm. Gary Mayes, CNRSE, emphasized that Niemeyer’s visit highlights the value of shore installations to the Navy mission.

“We appreciate the extensive amount of time Assistant Secretary Niemeyer spent with the Jacksonville-area Navy bases.  It emphasizes the importance he places on our facilities and the support we provide to our operational forces.”

Niemeyer added, “This visit also offered the opportunity to personally thank regional community leaders for their strong support for the Department of the Navy’s missions, military personnel, and their families. We want to continue as partners to contribute to the economic vitality of the region while preserving our military capabilities.”

Since assuming responsibilities June 26, Niemeyer has focused on improving base resiliency to protect against foreign, domestic and natural threats.

Resiliency takes many forms, according to Niemeyer. During his October address to the Congressional Sub Committee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats, he addressed threats to data networks, energy, water, physical security, control systems and more.  Threats could be cyber, physical attacks, political influence, or natural events.

“Installation readiness, in all its dimensions, is inextricably linked to the readiness and lethality of naval power to represent, and if necessary, defend America’s interests anytime, anywhere,” he said.

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