Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment (ASN (EI&E)) Lucian Niemeyer visited Navy Region Northwest installations to discuss the programs his office oversees with regional Navy leadership and local elected officials.

“As I review the Department’s issues around the world, I am struck by the vast array of operations, testing, and training conducted on the ranges and other lands in Washington State that are critical to our Navy’s readiness.” Niemeyer said. “As such, I am concerned by the recent increase in court challenges to Navy activities that we have been conducting for decades. My trip to Navy Region Northwest was, in part, intended to see why this is happening, and what can be done to improve the partnership with the State.”

Niemeyer is responsible for oversight and policy for Navy and Marine Corps facilities sustainment, restoration and modernization, military construction, acquisition, utilization and disposal of real property and facilities; environmental protection, planning, restoration and natural resources conservation; and safety and occupational health.

Niemeyer joined the region’s commanding officers from various shore installations and operational commands to participate in Washington State’s annual Navy Day in Olympia on Wednesday, Jan. 29, which is an event held to honor the Navy and its personnel in the Northwest Region.

“Washington State is an incredible place, and we receive tremendous support from our local communities for our Navy missions and for our Navy personnel and families,” said Commander, Navy Region Northwest Rear Adm. Scott Gray.

During this event, Navy leaders visited the House and Senate chambers as well as met with Gov. Jay Inslee, members of the Governor's staff and state legislators.

“It was my honor to join Admiral Gray in Olympia with other Navy leaders to reaffirm our strong partnership with the citizens of Washington, the State legislature, and Governor Inslee,” Niemeyer said.

While visiting the Pacific Northwest, Niemeyer also visited Naval Station Whidbey Island, Naval Base Kitsap and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Niemeyer additionally met with the Mayors and other elected leaders from Everett, Bremerton, Poulsbo and Kitsap County.   

“The Puget Sound area hosts some of the Navy’s most critical national defense capabilities, needed to sustain Naval power around the globe,” Gray said. “From one of the most important nuclear shipyards on the planet to unique defense electronic warfare capabilities, these are things we simply cannot win without.”

Niemeyer also used the visit to highlight the lawsuit settlement agreement announced on January 29 pertaining to the removal of biological materials from the Ex-USS Independence.

“Thanks to DOJ, the Washington State Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, the Suquamish Tribe, and environmental groups for their cooperation with the Navy on a settlement agreement. The Navy remains committed to working with our partners in the Northwest to protect the environment, our waterways, and our fisheries. Where groups have concerns, we will work to address them while preserving critical military capabilities.  The continued partnership with the State of Washington to settle litigation is critical to preserving support in the State and protecting our unique Navy capabilities for our Nation’s security.”

Niemeyer held a meeting with Whidbey Island military housing residents, base officials and Rear Adm. Gray to discuss local housing concerns.

During that meeting, Niemeyer discussed how the Navy is working to enhance housing experiences for residents through improved communication, planning, and increased hiring of skilled workers.

“We are adding personnel to the Department of the Navy that will work at installation levels on behalf of our residents,” Niemeyer said. “We must encourage our residents across the country to continue to raise concerns with the maintenance of their homes.”

Niemeyer encouraged residents to talk with and stay engaged with installation staff and base housing personnel whenever issues arise.

“Our military members and their families are managing long times apart and the daily struggles of military service,” Niemeyer said. “Having to constantly address housing maintenance issues should not be one of those struggles. Care needs to be taken with residents to make sure they are aware of all the resources they have. We want mission commanders to know who to refer families to when they reach out with housing issues.”

Niemeyer also spoke about environmental problems and how the Navy is finding solutions for them.

“The Navy has implemented a comprehensive environmental program to collaborate with the State of Washington on a wide array of species and land conservation goals which are top priorities for the citizens of Washington,” Niemeyer said. “Our intent is to be a significant partner in these natural resources activities while preserving our strong military capabilities.”

Additionally, the Navy has active programs to enhance energy resilience. Currently, the sea-service is executing more than 20 critical energy projects to install, repair, or upgrade power systems for the fleet using innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.

“My top priority in support of our Nation’s national defense strategy is to improve the resilience of our installations to support critical missions in this region, that includes seismic protections, regional transportation improvements, and resilient energy sources and distribution.” Niemeyer said.

Installation resiliency was also a key topic during Niemeyer’s visit to Naval Base Kitsap and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, where he toured the installation to view projects that will support infrastructure modernization and future growth.

"It was an honor to host Secretary Niemeyer during his visit to Naval Base Kitsap," said Naval Base Kitsap Commanding Officer Capt. Rich Rhinehart. "We share the same priorities on resiliency and readiness ensuring the fleet is well prepared to fight and win anywhere in the world at any time. NBK plays a vital role in ensuring our nation’s security; this was an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the great contributions our sailors and tenant commands make each day in supporting our national defense."

The shipyard took the opportunity to highlight the importance of efforts to modernize and upgrade aging infrastructure, along with the need to ensure continued support for Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program efforts alongside good environmental stewardship. Topics of discussion also included information and cyber security, ensuring safety of the workforce and a thorough exploration of shipyard infrastructure.

Niemeyer toured the entire shipyard, with stops at each dry dock where project superintendents were paired with ship's commanding officers to share the progress and innovative successes of their availabilities.

"It was a great opportunity to showcase what our workforce accomplishes here every day and the special connection we have with our community," said PSNS & IMF Commanding Officer Capt. Dianna Wolfson. "Our dry docks are full, and we are working with a sense of urgency to meet our Navy's needs and actively support our national security."

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aranza Valdez, Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Victoria Foley and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard spokeswoman Kellie Randall contributed to this story.