Navy Chooses Option in Ongoing Training Expansion Plans Along Strand

The Navy has chosen an option on a site north of Silver Strand State Beach as the best alternative for one phase of the expansion of Coronado training activities.

The Navy has been working on the plans for a decade. Officials held public meetings on this portion of the project more than two years ago, before issuing a final environmental impact statement in January 2011.

That document studied the effects of the proposed expansion on local threatened species, sea life, air quality, noise, and other possible environmental concerns.

The record of decision was filed Aug. 21. In that document, the Navy noted that their preferred alternative would have “no significant impacts” on the local environment.

“Training is the cornerstone of readiness for U.S. military forces,” Capt. Gary Mayes, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, said in a statement. “The signing of the record of decision allows us to continue using this vital complex to prepare sailors and Marines to go into harm's way.”

The plan the Navy opted for, known as alternative 1, would lead to a 41 percent increase in training activities annually, from more than 3,900 to 5,543. The additional activities are expected to be similar to exercises currently conducted there.

The Navy has plans to update a nearby Offshore Petroleum Discharge System, and add equipment, including the the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, and a new amphibious assault vehicle.

According to the Aug. 21 document filed by the Navy, the increase in activities is needed because of special warfare restructuring, a jump in the number of Marines being trained at the base and expanded training of explosive ordnance disposal groups. 

The Navy hosted in Coronado and Imperial Beach last month to garner residents' opinions on a proposed coastal campus farther south along the Strand. 

Public comment for the environmental report on that part of the project . A draft environmental report on the four alternatives in that plan is expected next summer.