YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Despite repeated explanations from military and Navy Exchange officials, some Yokosuka residents at a town hall meeting Tuesday night said they still did not understand the high gas prices at NEX stations in Japan.
Currently, gas prices are $4.06 a gallon at the Navy Exchange. In the States last week, the nationwide average for a gallon of regular grade was $2.66, according to the Energy Information Administration, an arm of the U.S. Department of Energy.
"It’s a huge disparity," said Frank Cassagnol, who brought up the subject. "I still don’t understand."
Capt. Daniel Weed, Yokosuka’s commanding officer, said he could only repeat the explanation from the NEX’s commander, Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, who visited Japan this month.
The NEX buys gas from the military’s Defense Energy Support Center and is locked into a price set during the summer. The gas the NEX is selling now cost it $4.19 a gallon, for a 13-cent loss. A NEX official Tuesday night said exchange officials hope DESC will reset the price in December.
Weed also addressed questions about child care, pool hours at the fitness center and building temperatures during the hourlong meeting at the Benny Decker Theater.
He also said the newcomers’ training for sailors and their families would soon expand, from four days to five days. The orientation will soon include tours of both the base and Yokosuka, including a walking tour of the city.
"There’s more than just the Honch," Weed said of the city’s small but popular bar district.
Lia Wright, a Navy spouse, asked about more space for clients at the Child Development Center. She said currently the staff has only 14 spaces for 2-year-olds for drop-off care during the day. To do errands during the day without her daughter, Julie, "I have to call two weeks in advance," Wright said.
Weed welcomed her comment and suggested the community look for more volunteers for child care providers.
"Get people to volunteer," he said. "I’ll provide the space and the resources. But I need the bodies."
He also said he would temporarily expand hours at the base gym until 9 p.m. after Cmdr. Catherine McDonald said she and others often can’t get to the pool before it closes. Weed said he would keep the pool open for an extra two hours for three months, then see how many people use it.
Denise Stonum, a Navy spouse who just moved to Yokosuka as part of the George Washington’s recent arrival, said she was surprised to find that the air and heat for the base buildings was controlled centrally.
Weed said he understood the issue, and that if things got too hot or cold, she should call 115 and request a change. Weed said some adjustments could be made, especially if the temperatures became too extreme.
He announced that the base’s new power plant — a $108 million facility built to help fuel the USS George Washington — went online this month. The plant is meant to provide 39 megawatts of power, much of which will be used to light up the nuclear-powered carrier when it is in port.
During the meeting, Weed announced that Chili’s will begin offering breakfast in December.
And he reminded the two dozen people at the meeting that trick-or-treaters will be out in full force on Friday. Last year, Weed said, he lost count at 850 children at his house.
"There is no fear," he joked of the costumed visitors. "They want candy. So please make sure you have plenty of candy."
