NAVY TO EXPAND TEST WORK MOVE AT PORT HUENEME COMES DESPITE CRITICS' HEALTH RISK CONCERNS.

Byline: Cecilia Chan Staff Writer

PORT HUENEME - Navy officials announced Wednesday they will proceed with a plan to expand operations at the local weapons testing facility, a proposal that has angered environmentalists who sought a health study to ensure the rooftop radar is safe.

Installation of high-tech equipment will allow the Navy to increase tests at the Port Hueneme Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Engineering Facility. Officials said the project will enhance the Navy's ability to protect sailors, improve efficiency and save money.

``A significant improvement in efficiency of support and technology will be realized through the development of this Virtual Test Capability,'' said Capt. James W. Phillips, the base commander, who was flanked by local officials during an afternoon news conference.

``The Virtual Test Capability at the SWEF will generate an enhanced ability to provide these improvements to our sailors.''

Despite an increase in the number of military ``hot spots'' around the world, Phillips said there are 300 ships and 300,000 sailors - half the number from several years - to deal with any crises.

``The sailors who are deployed on ships depend on us to keep the combat and weapon systems onboard the ship in a state of operational readiness,'' Phillips said.

``It is our job here at the command, through the operations at the SWEF, to test, evaluate and enhance the capability of the systems for the sailors that need to use them. Sailors need these weapons to provide for a national defense.''

Plans to increase the use of rooftop radar at the five-story SWEF complex off the Ventura coast worry residents and environmentalists who want assurances there are no health hazards from the equipment.

Phillips said environmental studies were done to comply with state and federal regulations.

``Safety is very important to the Navy,'' he said. ``Safety is important to me as a commanding officer. The safety and well-being of the sailors is a top priority of this command and it's embedded in our corporate structure. It's even embedded in our motto.''

The issue came to a standoff last month when an independent panel formed to look into the proposal presented its recommendation - which included a call for a public health survey - to the California Coastal Commission. The commission agreed with the recommendation but could not force the Navy to comply.

The Navy reiterated its stance that no study was needed.

The standoff led to a campaign launched on behalf of the Navy - the county's largest employer with 18,000 jobs - with dozens of letters of support sent to local newspapers.

Local elected officials applauded Wednesday's announcement.

``I am very pleased with the announcement that was made today,'' said Ventura County Supervisor Frank Schillo, whose Second District takes in the base. ``I'm looking forward to the increased productivity and the safety you continue to employ in this facility."

Other officials said the Navy has done everything possible to ensure safety of the new system and praised the Navy for being a good neighbor.

But Lee Quaintance, a local resident and a member of the Beacon Foundation, which opposed the Navy's plan, said he was surprised and disappointed at the decision to proceed with the SWEF expansion despite the recommendation of the Coastal Commission.

``I think the biggest question the public should ask is, Why won't they do an exposure study?'' Quaintance said. ``What do they fear?''

Phillips said equipment will be brought into the building in the next couple of months and the Virtual Test Capability should be partly operational by year's end, with full capability by October 2001.

The project is expected to generate jobs and add $29.6 million over the next five years to the local economy.