The U.S. Navy’s Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Vice Adm. William D. French visited Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay Cuba April 23-24.
As part of the trip, French toured several facilities to include the Desalination Plant, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Child Development Center and the North East Gate. French also was on hand for the ground breaking ceremony for NS Guantanamo Bay’s new Solar Farm project.
According to French energy projects like the solar array are an important part of the Navy’s mission.
“We are making a big push on making the right investments on renewable energy projects like this solar array,” said French. “We want to make sure these investments make sense as well as making sure they are secure and efficient. We are trying to shift away from oil and diesel fuels as much as we can.”
French said he enjoyed his trip and was proud of the work and professionalism he has seen at Guantanamo Bay from the Sailors stationed here.
“This is a special place and everyone we ran in to had a smile on their face. They know that this is a special place and it plays an important mission in the world,” said French. “If you look at where we are strategically GTMO is the only place we have that can protect our southern flank and it’s obvious everyone is excited to be part of this team.”
NS Guantanamo Bay’s Commanding Officer Capt. J.R. Nettleton said he was proud to have CNIC visit the base and was happy he had the opportunity to see the hard work everyone is doing.
“I am proud to show them the hard work our Sailors and Civilians have accomplished and the teamwork we all put in to make this the best base it can be,” said Nettleton. “He told me on several occasions he was glad to see all the enthusiasm our Sailors had and wanted me to thank them for all their hard work.”
[mappress] Press Release, April 28, 2014; Image: Wikimedia