A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story for a remodeled, barracks for Sailors, soldiers and Marines at Shields Hall Dec. 1.

The ceremony marked the end of a two-year project, spearheaded by Capt. Frank E. Hughlett, commander, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story (JEBLC-FS)and Rear Adm. Cynthia M. Thebaud, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, for the conversion of a Navy Gateway Inn and Suites into living quarters to improve the lives of Sailors stationed at the base.

"It's a quality of life benefit for the Sailors," said Hughlett. "To be honest, the most precious weapons system we have are the Sailors, so making their lives better is the best approach."

Military Construction, which is an organization that provides planning and oversight support for military construction projects executed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command, worked with JEBLC-FS leadership to identify creative ways to bolster mission readiness, resulting in a 33 million dollar plan to build accommodations for warfighters which improves on most existing barracks.

"With the opening of this new facility, we raise the bar on the level of support to our junior enlisted community," said Chief Fire Controlman James Hayes, leading chief petty officer of unaccompanied housing on JEBLC-FS. "These newly renovated barracks provide outstanding accommodations for those who voluntarily commit to a cause greater than themselves."

Innovations in the barracks include additional bathrooms shared by up to two roommates as opposed to conjoined bathrooms shared by up to six roommates, and walk-in closets. To provide comforts of home, common rooms are furnished with leather chairs, complete with cup holders, and large flat-screen televisions are placed throughout the building.

"It's been a pleasure to come into work every day and see this thing get torn down and rebuilt back up to get where we are today," said Hughlett. "It's a phenomenal facility."

Additionally, the barracks are within walking distance to the Navy Exchange, commissary, base chapel and restaurants.

For more information on Shields Hall, visit: http://m.military.com/base-guide/naval-amphibious-base-little-creek/contact/shields-hall-nab-little-creek/1135

For more information on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, visit: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma/installations/jeb_little_creek_fort_story.html

Find Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JEBLCFS

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit www.navy.mil/.