Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda hosted senior community leaders for an update on the Navy's action to ensure the Bethesda Naval District Washington (NDW) fire station on the installation is safe, including a tour of the complex on Sept. 19.
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Jamie Raskin and a
representative from International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
visited the site to see firsthand the installation's efforts to partner with
firefighters and ensure the firehouse is safe and comfortable for those
working in the facilities. During their walkthrough, they had an opportunity
to speak with installation leadership and Naval Facilities Engineering
Command (NAVFAC) representatives.
“The firefighters assigned to our fire station provide critical services to the installation and its tenants,” said Capt. Scott Switzer, NSA Bethesda commanding officer. “They continue to perform extremely well while we work to improve their facilities. I am proud of them for both their professionalism and their commitment to duty. They are some of the finest firefighters in our Navy and we want to ensure they’re taken care of. We’re committed to their safety, comfort, and morale.”
In recent months, the Navy awarded a contract to make emergent facility repairs, replaced damaged floors, and upgraded the firehouse exterior structure to prevent water intrusion. The installation commanding officer also authorized funding for engine bay ceiling repairs and the development of a project targeted for Fiscal Year 2023 funding to address exterior building issues and air conditioning. Additionally, the Navy conducted a structural survey of the building and determined it remained safe to occupy. Finally, the NSA Bethesda public works officer and NSA Bethesda Fire Department leadership established recurring meetings to ensure facility issues are promptly and completely addressed.
“We’re grateful to the installation for working with us to address our concerns and fix the existing issues in our buildings,” said NDW District Fire Chief Danny Hunt. “We also look forward to continuing our partnership with base leadership while they pursue a replacement facility on our behalf.”
NSA Bethesda is located just north of the Nation's Capital in Bethesda, Maryland. It is responsible for operational support of more than 40 tenant organizations, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the flagship center of military medicine, and Uniformed Services University, dedicated to training medical professionals for careers in the Department of Defense and the Public Health Service. For more information on NSA Bethesda, visit https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Bethesda/.