Naval Station Everett

Posted by Gary O'Rielly 
on Jan 26, 2013
 
If you ever wanted to know the impact of Naval Station Everett and their presence in Snohomish County, you missed a real opportunity February 1st. Our guest speaker was Base Commander Captain Mike Coury who assumed command in June 2010. Captain Coury is a native of Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Coury graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in May 1985 and received his naval flight officer wings in 1986, reporting to the Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron 129 for training on the EA-6B Prowler.

Coury has earned graduate degrees in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee in 1994 and National Security and Strategic Studies (honor graduate) from the Naval War College in Newport, in 2001.  Coury's fleet assignments are numerous including deployment from both coasts as well as Japan and his awards are just as impressive which include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) Strike Flight Air Medal, Joint Services Commendation medal (two awards), Navy Commendation medal (six awards, two with combat "V") and the Navy Achievement medal as well as various unit and service awards.

Captain Coury talked about the goals and objectives of the Navy and Naval Station Everett which are Forward Presence, Maritime Security, Deterrence, Sea Control, Win Today.....Win Tomorrow and always be ready. The map showing the world shipping routes include 288 naval vessels carrying over 50,000 navy men and women. The Maritime Crossroads include the Strait of Gibraltar, Strait of Hormuz, the Asian Pacific, Africa and the Mediterranean and Latin America routes.

Naval Station Everett is the second largest employer in Snohomish County with over 6,500 men and women which includes 2,800 from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Their economic impact is around $318 million dollars annually. They are working on "net zero waste" and are close to their goal plus making sure that all of their buildings are green attaining silver level of the Energy Star rating system. Quality of life is important to the navy men and women and their families. There are 141 houses in Lake Stevens with 130 families on the waiting list. Another really great program. When Captain Coury retires this summer, he and his wife plan on staying in this area which they have come to feel as home.