BREMERTON – Naval Base Kitsap celebrated the renovation of unaccompanied housing Building 1001 at NBK-Bremerton on March 12.

The two-year, $14.8 million renovation project included upgrades to bathrooms, doors, flooring, and air systems as well as safety improvements such as safety guardrails and additional lighting. The building’s 168 rooms house 336 sailors.

During the ceremony, Capt. Tom Zwolfer, Commanding Officer, NBK, noted that the project team was met with unforeseen challenges at the beginning but praised those involved for aggressively pursuing resolutions.

“As some of you may know, this renovation was our number one project last year,” Zwolfer said. “The upcoming arrival of Nimitz was quickly approaching so failure to complete on time was not an option.”

He added, “NBK’s top-notch unaccompanied housing crew worked long hours over the holidays to ensure that the renovations and finishing touches were completed in time for the arrival of the USS Nimitz.”

Zwolfer also pointed out that the building’s heating and cooling system is energy-efficient relying on ground source heat pumps housed in 96 holes that are 350 feet deep.

“The system is energy efficient, cost efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Zwolfer.

According to Capt. John J. Cummings, Executive Officer, USS Nimitz, the crew were impressed with the warm welcome and ease of transition to their new accommodations. The USS Nimitz arrived in January, however, many of their crew were settled in to Building 1001 a month before the ship came to Bremerton.

Cummings then received a large wooden ceremonial key to the building presented to him by Master Chief Dave Lynch, Command Master Chief, NBK.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command led the effort for the Navy. Project partners included prime contractor Washington Patriot Team.