Use the correct boating channel and don’t fly drones near a military base
Hi Seal Beach,
As you may know, approximately two-thirds of the land mass in Seal Beach is located within the Naval Weapons Station.
The history of the NWS is really interesting.
You can read more about the base operations, and history by visiting these websites: https://cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/WPNSTA-Seal-Beach/ and https://cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/WPNSTA-Seal-Beach/About/Installation-Guide/Installation-Locations/Seal-Beach/.
Why do I mention this? Well, there are several updates about things happening on the NWS that I think might be of interest to readers.
Mr. Gregg Smith, the public affairs officer for the NWS, provided this information:
• Big Disaster Exercise – “During the week of August 8-10 we will be conducting a series of natural disaster exercises onboard the base. They will be the largest we’ve had in years, with a focus on preparing for and responding to large earthquakes, tsunamis, and the resulting major infrastructure damage. Local residents should expect to see first responder activities associated with the exercise, and simulated mass casualties and role players will also be used. The station’s ‘Giant Voice’ mass notification loudspeaker system may be heard as well. Check out our Facebook and Instagram channels during these events for the latest info.”
• Ammunition Pier Project – “We wrapped up fender pile driving for our new ammo pier three weeks ago. Over the course of the project, our contractors have emplaced over 800 piles. About 20 piles remain, and those cannot be driven until the rest of the project is completed, likely by next spring or early summer. Current work is focusing on fitting out the new pier, constructing some support buildings, and adding rock armor to the new small breakwater in the center of the bay.”
• Civilian Boating – “We’ve recently seen an increase in boaters trying to use the old public boat route into Huntington Harbor. That route is now both a restricted area and a construction zone. All boaters are reminded to Keep to the Right when entering Anaheim Bay from the ocean. This will keep them inside the correct civilian boat channel.”
• Drone Usage – “We’ve also seen an increase in the use of drones around the base. FAA regulations prohibit the use of drones over any military installation, and for us that area includes Anaheim Bay. Drones are also not allowed within 3,000 feet of any US Navy ship, so when we have a ship in port the ‘No Drone Zone’ will easily reach over 1,000 feet beyond our fence line. The best advice for drone operators is to avoid flying over or near any military installation or unit.”
• Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) – “The RAB is a group that helps provide civilian oversite of our environmental cleanup activities onboard the base. We are currently open for new board member applications. Board membership is open to local residents, and no detailed advance knowledge of environmental cleanup is needed. Please pass on this info to anyone who may be interested in joining the RAB.”
Without question, the city of Seal Beach is proud to be home to the Naval Weapons Station, and we are honored to work alongside our military partners and servicemembers.
If you have questions about the Naval Weapons Station, please contact them at (562) 626-7215 ornwssbpao@us.navy.mil.
Keep your questions coming Seal Beach! Email us at askacop@sealbeachca.gov today!
