Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Naval Base San Diego Celebrates Grand Opening of Navy Exchange

By Quartermaster 1st Class (SW/AW) Benita C. Snerling, Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs

June 16, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base San Diego's (NBSD) Navy Exchange (NEX) held a grand opening ceremony attended by service members, retiree's, civilian employees and family members June 15.

Rear Adm. Steven J. Romano, commander, Navy Exchange Service Command, Capt. Rick L. Williamson, commanding officer, NBSD and retired Rear Adm. Len R. Herring, were the guest speakers at the event. A special appearance was made by Tony Gwynn, former Padres player and baseball hall of fame inductee and his wife, Alicia.

"The Navy Exchange is planning for the future and the increase numbers of personnel arriving in the San Diego area in the next five years," remarked Williamson. "The staff continually takes care of our service members and during this entire process, they never diminished their support and excellent customer service."

The NEX completely renovated the main store and home store over the past two years. The main store renovations started in April 2009 and were completed in April 2010 on time and within budget. The 151,000 square foot facility took a total of 88,000 man-hours to complete with upgraded "green" features to included energy efficient lighting saving an annual $21,000 in costs and low water usage projects reducing water by 240,000 gallons a year. Other upgrades for the fighter and family are a new cross design escalator, a flower shop, optical shop, dry cleaner/laundry and pharmacy. In addition to making the NEX a one stop shopping experience, there is a barber shop and beauty salon for service members and families.

The home store opened for business April 15, 2009, and in its first year of sales earned $24.1 million in retail and services. The 92,000 square foot took an estimated 15,000 man-hours to complete with energy upgrades in lighting and water-saving projects in the garden center. Other amenities added for the service member's ease were Coles Fine Flooring, Armed Forces Bank Branch, Chung's Plaque and Frame Shop and a Morale, Welfare and Recreation Information Tickets and Tours Office.

"We are proud of all the accomplishments that have occurred over the past two years," said Donald Wild III, general manager for NBSD's NEX. "We continually have the Fleet in mind and have future projects such as food court renovations and exterior upgrades next on our list. It is great to take a moment to celebrate a huge milestone."

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