Last week's guest speaker was Captain Joshua Menzel, Commander of Naval Station Everett. Captain Menzel arrival at the Station July 2021. This is his first time to Rotary. The Captain said that Naval Station Everett assignment is a sailor's choice. The base is a beautiful location and the newest base in the country which opened in 1996. In Lake Stevens, Constitution Park is naval housing where he lives. Captain Menzel was first deployed here in 2001 aboard the Abraham Lincoln. The Captain appreciates the community. He is also a ship guy so this assignment is confined to the base rather than on a ship.
Currently, there are seven destroyers assigned to Naval Station Everett. Four are currently deployed and three under maintenance. Captain Menzel talked about being in uncertain times. Why have a Navy? The basic reason is the "Freedom of the Seas." There is basic bad actors and freedom of access and open seas to everyone, is the primary goal of the United States Navy. There are bad actors trying to prevent open shipping with a reference to the Strait of Taiwan is in International Waters, but the Chinese think of it as their own territory and is the biggest threat and the reason for 24/7 Freedom of Navigation.
On a strong note, Naval Station Everett has been selected as the homeport for the Constellation-class frigates. The Constellation-class frigates are currently in development with one under construction. There would be twelve new Constellation class frigates assigned to the base. Frigates are smaller in size. Single crew vs. duo-crew is under consideration. This amounts to about a 5,000-sailor increase.
Absolutely amazing presentation about the outlook of Naval Station Everett and the huge role it has in our own community.