ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington awarded a $300,000 contract to Raymond Pond Full Service Solutions, Conyers, Georgia, to design a fully baffled 50-yard firing range on Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis in vicinity of Greenbury Point August 16.
This contract provides for professional engineering services to design a repair project to fully baffle the existing firing range at NSA Annapolis.
“Baffles" are barriers placed overhead, alongside, or at ground level on firing ranges to interrupt errant or off target bullets. These barriers keep errant bullets contained to the range itself and ensure the safety of people and property downrange of the firing line.
Currently, the firing range at NSA Annapolis is only partially baffled. The risk of stray bullets leaving the range due to incomplete barriers necessitates a Surface Danger Zone (SDZ) on part of Greenbury Point, including the East and West Access Roads, and Mill Creek. When the firing range is in use, the Surface Danger Zone must be closed to the public for safety.
Greenbury Point is a Navy property managed by NSA Annapolis as a mission-supportive natural resources area. It is also a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor recreation. While the Navy keeps portions of Greenbury Point open to the public when possible, some areas of the peninsula require frequent closure for training and mission requirements.
“Although we’re only in the design phase, we look forward to mitigating the need to maintain a Surface Danger Zone on Greenbury Point,” said Commander Billy Moiles, public works officer at NSA Annapolis. “Design is the first step to understand the costs associated with this future repair.”
A fully baffled firing range at NSA Annapolis would alleviate the need for training-related closures of the East and West Access Roads on Greenbury Point.
“While the 1.63 miles of walking trails at Greenbury Point outside the SDZ are open daily, the East and West access roads require closure subject to training requirements,” said Captain Chris Schwarz, commanding officer of NSA Annapolis. “This design supports an end state that allows us to complete our training mission with less frequent closures to the access roads.”
At this time, no funds have been obligated to complete the construction portion of this project. This award is for the design of a fully baffled range. The design is expected to be complete in Spring 2024. Following completion of the design phase, the project to fully baffle the firing range can be programmed for execution.