Improved range opened on Hansen
Lance Cpl. Ryan Wicks

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (March 28, 2008) -- Okinawa Marines got an improved battle sight zero range on Camp Hansen March 17 when construction was finished on Battle Sight Zero Range 1.

The range features new amenities including a bathroom, water fountain, classroom area, a nine-meter berm, safety walls on both sides and 50 numbered target positions.

"Due to the relocation of the Army training range complex, we had to move the old BZO range to Range 1," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kevin Suitt, the officer in charge of Camp Hansen Range Control.

The nine-meter berm is filled with recycled rubber which more effectively stops rounds from going into the environment, according to Suitt.

"The berm also allows us to recycle the rounds by cleaning out the rubber and sifting out the rounds and brass, melting them down and reusing them," Suitt said. "We will repeat this process every three to five years, which saves us money."

Suitt said he has already noticed that the modernized range helps Marines feel more confident, and he believes that increased confidence will help many of them shoot better.

Range operations also run smoother and more efficiently, according to Marines who have used it.

"I can train more Marines here more efficiently," said Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Starzy, the staff non commissioned officer in charge of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Provost Marshal's Office.

"We had to stop thinking inside the box," Suitt said. "Instead of just making new targets and putting a fresh coat of paint on everything, we are upgrading and modernizing the ranges."

Ellie