Building Success Through Collaboration: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Ammunition Pier and Anaheim Bay Modernization Project
The Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach recently completed the Ammunition Pier and Anaheim Bay Modernization Project, a significant $157 million initiative that enhanced operational efficiency and security for the U.S. Navy while accommodating modern naval vessels.
Project Overview
Spanning nearly five years, the project involved construction of a new 1,100-foot-long, 125-foot-wide ammunition pier designed for dual ship operations. Replacing an older ammunition wharf originally built in 1954, this upgrade was crucial for crisis response capabilities, allowing for the handling of larger vessels. Additionally, the project included dredging to create a public boating channel, a naval ship channel, and a turning basin, along with the construction of a vehicle causeway, rock breakwater, and various shore protection measures.
The modernization effort effectively improved security by separating civilian boat traffic from naval operations, reducing harbor closure times, and enhancing the readiness of the naval fleet.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its critical objectives, the project faced several challenges. The team navigated hurdles such as managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, adhering to stringent environmental regulations, and coordinating the logistics of construction staging—all while ensuring that naval operations continued smoothly.
To address these complexities, the project team wholeheartedly embraced a formal Construction Partnering strategy facilitated by VELO Group. This collaborative approach involved conducting twelve Partnering sessions throughout the project lifecycle, fostering a spirit of teamwork among government entities, contractors, and Navy officials.
Partnering for Success
The Partnering sessions established vital communication protocols, defined success metrics, and set ambitious goals across various domains, including schedule, budget, safety, and environmental compliance. This proactive approach allowed the team to address challenges promptly and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Regular partnering surveys were conducted to monitor progress and facilitate necessary adjustments, yielding impressive results. The project maintained a remarkable safety record with zero recordable incidents. High construction standards were upheld, resulting in no major rework and minimal punch list items at completion. Effective communication strategies were developed to ensure optimal engagement among all stakeholders, including the public. Additionally, all regulatory requirements for environmental compliance were met without any delays due to environmental impacts. The project also fostered strong, enduring relationships among participants, paving the way for future collaborations.
A Concerted Team Effort
The successful execution of the Ammunition Pier and Anaheim Bay Modernization Project highlighted the vital role of teamwork and collaboration. As Capt. Jessica O’Brien, Commanding Officer of the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, noted, “This project is the culmination of decades of work… “We have remained amazingly on track despite the many significant and largely unpredicted challenges, and that speaks volumes about what a great team we have assembled here. I could not be prouder.”
Looking back on the completed project, it’s clear that the collaborative spirit and dedication of all stakeholders paved the way for enhanced naval operations and stronger community ties.
VELO Group is proud to have facilitated construction partnering throughout this endeavor, which will significantly support the Navy’s mission of maintaining national security and readiness. Congratulations to the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, Manson-Connolly Seal Beach Joint Venture (prime contractor) and everyone involved for their collective effort in bringing this project to fruition.
