NAVSEA looks to temporarily relocate workers in wake of Navy Yard shooting

Less than a week after a mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard left 12 civilian Navy employees and contractors dead, the Naval Sea Systems Command is looking to restore normal operations and reconstitute its workforce, according to a Navy release.

But the NAVSEA headquarters, Building 197, is still an active crime scene and remains shuttered.

NAVSEA leadership will work to find alternative work accommodations for the 3,000 employees who worked in the building, including other facilities on the grounds of the Washington Navy Yard, off-base contractor facilities and the disestablished U.S. Coast Guard headquarters at Buzzard Point located a few blocks away.

Navy is also encouraging employees to telework.

“From these temporary sites, NAVSEA will be able to conduct all necessary functions, including awarding contracts,” the release stated.

Employees will hear from their supervisors on where they should report to work.

Even after law enforcement finishes its investigation at Building 197, the site where 34-year-old IT contractor Aaron Alexis opened fire will “likely require extensive rehabilitation,” the Navy said in its release.

The base gym will also remain closed, because it’s being used as a staging area for the FBI investigation.

The entire Navy Yard was closed for two days following Monday’s shooting. It reopened Thursday for normal operations under heightened security. However, only DoD-issued identification, such as a Common Access Card, will be recognized for access, the Navy announced.

The Navy has stood up three emergency assistance centers for those affected by the shooting and their families. They are located at Building 111 at the Navy Yard, the fifth floor of the Navy Installations Command Headquarters and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s Building 72. Call 1-855-677-1755 for more information.

A televised live memorial for the victims will be held Sunday at 5 p.m.

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