Navy supports movement of top military leadership at Point Mugu
28 March 2022
From Drew Verbis
POINT MUGU, Calif. (NNS) – Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) supported logistic movement of The Honorable Llyod J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), Adm. Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), and other senior military leadership as they attended the 2021 Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF), Dec. 3-4, 2021.
Lt. Cmdr. David Reynolds, air operations officer, NBVC stated the optics of these operations from an outsider’s perspective may resemble scenes from a Hollywood movie – with convoys of black SUV’s transporting dignitaries, secret security details and police escorts.
“However, the reality is that we remain professional and mission-focused to provide critical shore readiness and logistic support while executing with precise and coordinated details,” said Reynolds. “Team NBVC trains like we fight and has planned and prepared for every contingency as we strive to provide top echelon service.”
According to NBVC, Sr. Airfield Manager, James Conley, the base also received Gen. Laura J. Richardson, Commander, Southern Command; Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant, Marine Corps; Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chief of Staff, Air Force; members of Congress and their staff.
“This operation highlights the diverse capability of NBVC,” said Capt. Robert “Barr” Kimnach III, commanding officer, NBVC. “Whether we are engaging the community in direct support of reducing port congestion and the national supply-chain shortage, or growing operations to support unmanned Fleet assets in the maritime domain, NBVC is demonstrating the critical services provided by Navy shore commands.”
RNDF brings together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including members of Congress, current and former Administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators, and thought leaders.
Austin delivered the keynote address at the RNDF Saturday.
“After decades of service in the military, Secretary Austin is leading the Pentagon through a pivotal new-era for U.S. national security,” said Roger Zakheim, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "We were privileged to have him speak at the RNDF."
“We are honored to have the SECDEF, the CNO and other key military members onboard,” said Kimnach. “NBVC has a strong relationship with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and supporting their effort to discuss policies that strengthen American’s national defense is in everyone’s best interest.”
Additionally, the NBVC color guard participating in the RNDF.
NBVC is comprised of three distinct operational facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. It is Ventura County’s largest employer and protects Southern California’s largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental program.