USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is quickly approaching their next homeport change. Before USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled out of Naval Station Everett for the last time, they passed on some tips to Nimitz Sailors who would soon be taking their place.

 

On top of less parking, recreation, and shopping, NAVSTA Everett’s size and structure pose another problem to its Sailors. The number of people on base is considerably less than most bases so Sailors, especially those from the carrier, are more noticeable. Being in the constant eye of base security and chain of command, Sailors should be on their best behavior at all times.

 

“The cops here are very strict,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Russell Corporon, Lincoln’s air department.

 

“Here they are stricter about the little things,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Blake Sanford, Lincoln’s air department. “At Bremerton I could walk onto base with my earrings in but here they’ll stop you in a second.”

 

NAVSTA Everett is one of the newest and most modern Navy installations in the country and is one of the leaders in environmental design. For these reasons, the base is frequently in the spotlight. The base’s chain of command, along with security, holds Sailors on base to a higher standard.  This way when higher-ups do notice the installation, it is only in a good light.

 

“The base’s XO is really strict,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Alexzy Castello, Lincoln’s supply department. “If you’re not squared away walking down the street, he’ll actually pull his car over to stop you.”

 

Some of the things you should watch out for is parking, driving, and walking in the correct areas.

 

“Stick to walking on main streets,” said Sanford. “Don’t take any back streets or alleys on base because they’re constantly doing construction or something and they’ll hem you up.”

 

“You can’t drive anywhere near the CIA gate to 

the wharf or you’ll get a ticket,” said Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Calvin Martin, Lincoln’s supply department. “The closest you can drop people off to the ship is Charlie Parking Lot right by the security building.”

 

To save some time and worry, some Lincoln Sailors suggest investing in a bike.

 

“Just get a bike, you can ride it everywhere,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman David Vanburen, Lincoln’s supply department.

 

Other obvious things the cops and master-at-arms at NAVSTA Everett watch out for is basic cleanliness and kind behavior to the wildlife.

 

“If you have a barbecue or anything in the pits, make sure you clean up everything because they’ll come to your room and wake you up,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW) Demorus Brown, Lincoln’s supply department.

 

With all sorts of animals on base including geese, seagulls and even sea lions in the water around the ships, it is very important that Sailors learn to coexist in a respectable manner. Security personnel on base make sure Sailors leave the animals alone for both the person and animal’s safety.

 

“Don’t harass the geese because you’ll get stopped by the police,” said Brown. “Just don’t go anywhere near them.”

 

This is for those safety reasons. The geese can get hostile when bothered and it is in everyone’s best interest to leave them alone.

 

“Watch out for the geese,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Kendra Hetrick. “If you get to close they’ll run at you.”

 

At first it may seem NAVSTA Everett’s security and command personnel are too strict. But with some time, Nimitz Sailors will grow accustomed to the high standards set on the base. They will not only see the standards are set high for a reason, but will join in the effort to maintain an unsurpassed image of the advanced installation.