NAS Pensacola's Bayou Grande Marina Earns Clean and Resilient Environmental Award
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Captain Chandra “Mamasan” Newman presented recognitions to the Northwest Florida Clean Boating Coordinator Eric Best and Bayou Grande Marina personnel onboard NAS Pensacola during a ceremony June 2, honoring the marina’s outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. The recognition followed a series of environmental achievements that positioned Bayou Grande Marina as a model recreational boating facility within the Navy. Through diligent conservation efforts, pollution prevention initiatives and responsible waterfront management practices, the marina’s staff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural resources that make Pensacola’s waterways unique. Among the 2,800 marinas operating in Florida only 30 have achieved the Clean and Resilient Marina designation as of January 2024 according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Clean Marina Program (CMP) encourages marina facilities to achieve clean and resilience designations by implementing a state of criteria designed to protect human life, promote safety, mitigate exposure of structures on water and land to damage, reduce exposure of boats to damage, minimize damage to property that cannot be relocated and resume business operations as quickly as possible. During the presentation, Newman commended the marina workforce for their dedication to environmental excellence and their efforts to promote responsible boating practices among military members, retirees and their families.
“Environmental awareness is not just a requirement, it is a responsibility we owe to future generations of Sailors and the communities who live here,” said Newman. “The Bayou Grande Marina team has embraced that responsibility and transformed it into a culture of excellence that is extremely evident throughout this area.” Over the past year Bayou Grande Marina personnel implemented several initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact including enhanced recycling programs, proper hazardous material handling procedures, boater education efforts and measures aimed at protecting local wildlife and water quality. Newman added “The recognition received by Bayou Grande Marina reflects countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. This team has proven that operational excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand and their accomplishments set the standard for others to follow across the Navy.” For the marina staff, the award represents more than a single accomplishment: it reflects years of dedication to maintaining a safe, clean and environmentally responsible recreational facility for the Navy community. The "Clean and Resilient" pennants flown by the marina represent the highest designation possible within the Clean Marina Program in Florida. Bayou Grande Marina continues to serve as one of NAS Pensacola’s premier quality of life programs, providing boating, fishing and waterfront recreation opportunities while demonstrating that environmental stewardship and mission support can go hand in hand. For more information on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, visit the agency’s website at https://floridadep.gov.
NAS Pensacola Sailors Recognized at Quarters
NAS Pensacola Civilian Employees Recognized at Public Works Department
NAS Pensacola Sets the Standard with Successful Explosives Safety Inspection
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola and 21 of the installation's tenant commands recently completed a highly successful Explosives Safety Inspection (ESI), reinforcing the installation's commitment to operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and the safety of its personnel and the surrounding community. Led by NAS Pensacola’s Explosives Safety Officer Dan Buechler, the comprehensive on-site evaluation verified that the air station’s ammunition and explosives operations meet the strict standards mandated by the Department of War (DoW). “The cardinal rule of explosives safety is to expose the minimum number of people to the minimum amount of explosives for the minimum period of time consistent with efficient and safe operations,” said Buechler. “It’s great to see those mitigations in action all across the base.” An Explosives Safety Inspection is a rigorous, top-to-bottom assessment designed to identify potential hazards early, prevent accidents, and ensure facilities adhere to strict safety criteria. By evaluating how military and civilian personnel handle, store, transport, and dispose of explosives, the ESI minimizes risks to protect personnel, property, and the public.
“During the inspection, we focused on ten main areas of evaluation,” Buechler said. “By ensuring personnel adhere to accountability, distance, material compatibility, facility infrastructure and safety protocol and training standards, we maintain a safe environment with minimal explosive risk.” These standards are designed to manage explosives-related risks associated with DoW operations and installations by providing protection criteria to minimize serious injury, loss of life, and damage to property. “The stellar results of this inspection are a direct reflection of the command-wide commitment to this rule, proving that safety and mission efficiency go hand-in-hand,” said Buechler. “Congratulations to the entire NAS Pensacola team and all participating tenant commands for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to keeping our station safe and mission ready.” Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," supports operational and training missions for several tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Center for Technical Training. The installation also hosts Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 and serves at the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command. In addition to an active runway, the installation maintains a deepwater port supporting operations for the United States Coast Guard.
NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Recognizes NMCRS Civilian for 20 Years of Service
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) provides information and referral, education, and one-on-one assistance, all at no cost. Our programs include: New Parent Support, Exceptional Family Member, Family Advocacy, Personal Financial Management, Life Skills Education, Clinical Counseling, Transition Assistance, Relocation Assistance, Family Employment Readiness, Disaster Preparedness, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. The main FFSC is located in Building 625 onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Credits:
Bruce Cummins, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Officer; Garrett Dipuma, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ian Cotter, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Ens. Trent Prince, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Ens. Victoria Franklin, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office