SBT 20 Opens
New Storage Facility
By Chief Mass Communication
Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger, Naval Special
Warfare Group 4 Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Special Boat Team (SBT)
20, one of two commands in the Department of Defense
specifically designated to conduct special
operations in coastal environments, held a
ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new 57,000 square
foot storage facility in Virginia Beach, Va., July
9.
"This building was conceived and designed by SWCCs
(special warfare combantant-craft crewmen), built
specifically for SWCCs and will be used by SWCCs,"
said SBT 22 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bernie McMahon.
"Because of your dedication, professionalism,
warrior focus and sheer determination in the face of
countless obstacles, the SWCC community has evolved
into the premier special operations force that
dominates the maritime domain. It is only fitting
that such a force has a building specifically
designed to fit its operational needs."
The building is primarily a storage building with
180 cages for operators to store their gear, 16
larger detachment cages and a load-out bay. The
building's second story is modular, allowing it to
be reconfigured for multiple purposes, such as
different classroom setups or divided into quadrants
for more individual users. Having this building will
directly contribute to
upgrading the training capability and mission
readiness of SBT 20.
The building is designed to be energy and water
efficient, keeping in line with Department of
Defense guidelines for environmental stewardship.
Under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design standards, the building earned the silver
rating. The developer, Sauer, created a marsh to
filter the rain water before it enters the
Chesapeake Bay, used certified wood from sustainable
growing practices, utilized construction methods
which limited indoor environmental pollutants and
recycled more than 85 percent of the construction
waste, saving more than 900 tons of material from
going to the landfill.
Retired Command Master Chief Frank Walters was the
guest speaker. He had been heavily involved in the
development of the SWCC Navy enlisted
classification, SWCC pin and one of the
state-of-the-art craft they drive, the special
operations craft-riverine. Walter discussed the
evolution of the SWCC community and how proud he was
of where they were headed.
"When I was first stationed here on Little Creek, we
worked out of Quonset huts," said Walters. "It's
nice to see as this community of professionals
grows, the facilities needed to complete the mission
improve as well."
For more news from Naval Special Warfare Group 4,
visit www.navy.mil/local/nswg4/.
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