Ventura County, Calif.,– Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) commanding officer, Captain Jeff Chism, is hosting town halls to hear the housing concerns of Sailors and their families.
On Feb. 23, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith directed naval installation commanders to make 100% contact with Sailors living in government and Public Private Venture (PPV) housing to ask if their housing is satisfactory. The action was directed upon being alerted that some Sailors may have been negatively affected by the condition of their government and PPV family housing.
The base is committed to listening and responding to issues raised by Sailors and residents. Just one month prior to the February directive and following tenant commands request to provide Sailors an avenue to voice concerns, NBVC hosted four town halls, two each at NBVC Port Hueneme and NBVC Point Mugu. Jan. 23 & 30 panel discussions led by Capt. Chism first answered questions submitted online then followed with 30 minutes of Q&A with attendees.
Some 45 questions were answered by the panel covering primarily housing issues, but also informing attendees about base growth, facility maintenance, community programs, and recreation and dining options on base.
Between town hall sessions base organizations including the Navy Exchange, PPV housing, Defense Commissary, Environmental, Tri-care, Naval Branch Health Clinic, and more, held an information fair to allow one-on-one engagement.
In response to the Feb. 23 Navy announcement requiring housing specific engagement, Capt. Chism sent letters to all commands and Sailors attached to NBVC stating his commitment to advocating for the health and safety of Sailors assigned to the base. The letter detailed the process to resolve housing issues and invited all housing residents and base personnel to participate in two additional town halls scheduled specifically to address Sailor concerns about housing.
“I am here to listen and to hear your concerns,” said Chism at the first housing town hall held yesterday evening at Duke’s Place in Port Hueneme. “I want to ensure every resident understands the process to address issues and I am committed to transparent and open conversation.”
On Mar. 4, NBVC will host another housing town hall at the Mugu Theater on Point Mugu at 7 p.m.
“I want to help resolve your issues,” said David DeJesus, NBVC Housing Director. “We are here to listen to you and help you thru the process.”
For more information, follow us on Facebook @NavalBaseVenturaCounty or call NBVC Public Affairs at 805-989-9234.
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