Oxnard Leadership cruises to the waterfront to explore the Navy Base, Port and harbor

​For its eighth session, the 2024 Oxnard Leadership Program (OLP) cohort got private tours of Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), the Port of Hueneme, and the Channel Islands Maritime Museum where they also discussed the future of the Channel Islands Harbor with Director Michael Tripp. 

The kicked off bright and early at NBVC where they received a briefing from new Commanding Officer Captain Daniel "DB" Brown and Chief Staff Officer​ Captain Jason G. Kranz. The cohort then received a land tour of the base, and received overviews of its strategic portside operations and a walk-through of the Naval Construction Training Center that hosts construction mechanic entry-level accessions training for Navy and Air Force students and provides advanced courses for all Seabee ratings.

It was a busy day at the Port of Hueneme with Del Monte and  Ro-Ro (roll on, roll off) cargo ships loading and unloading. The cohort enjoyed a casual lunch that was generously sponsored by the Port. New Chief Commercial and Public Affairs Officer Stacy Lange gave welcome remarks and Drew Rodriguez, Public & Community Relations Senior Representative, gave a presentation about the Port's impact in the community and on our local economy, and led the group on a tour with Maripas Jacobo, Community Outreach Specialist.  The group also visited Fathomwerks to learn about the innovative products, research and development that happen there. Fathomwerx is a partnership between the Port, Economic Development Collaborative, Matter Labs, and Naval Base Ventura County. It brings together leading academic, research and engineering centers to further technology and innovation in the maritime domain.

The day wrapped up with stunning views of the Channel Islands Harbor, courtesy of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Cohort member Doug Riffenburgh, Executive Director, led a private tour with behind-the-scenes access to some new artwork that will soon be on display at the museum and at the nearby beach resort Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. Harbor Director Michael Tripp gave the final presentation of the day to give updates on projects such as Fisherman's Wharf, the new Hyatt House and nearby restaurant, and a new playground as well as upcoming event such as the 3rd Annual “Parade of Frights" before Halloween and the "Parade of Lights" during the holidays.

Applications for the 2025 Oxnard Leadership Program open next week. Click here and sign up to be notified.