Manchester Navy Fuel Depot Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Wyatt Anthony | 171201-N-VH385-0019 PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (Dec. 1, 2017) - Emilio Franco (left), who worked at Manchester Fuel Depot from 1974-1991 as the sole fuel department engineer, and Ann Fickle, who's husband, Jack Fickle, worked at Manchester Fuel Depot as the Depot Guard Chief from 1959-1981, participate in a ceremonial cake-cutting during the celebration of Manchester Navy Fuel Depot's 75th anniversary. The Manchester Fuel Depot is a part of Naval Base Kitsap, managed by NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound, and is the largest single-site Department of Defense fuel terminal in the continental United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wyatt L. Anthony)  

PORT ORCHARD, WA, UNITED STATES

12.01.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Wyatt Anthony  

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

Manchester Navy Fuel Depot celebrated its 75th anniversary, Friday, Dec. 1, with guest speakers and a ceremonial cake cutting.

The Manchester Fuel Depot is a part a Naval Base Kitsap, and is managed by the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound Fuel Department.

Originally the 234-acre facility was known as Battery Mitchell, purchased by the U.S. Army in 1898 for $38,000, and it was intended for the purpose of defending Rich Passage.

Capt. Alan Schrader, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap, gave the opening remarks of the ceremony.

"Over the past year I have learned about the importance of the work that is done [at the fuel depot],” said Schrader. “Day in and day out the Manchester Fuel Depot ensures that our ships are ready for deployment, our aircraft have the fuel they need to fulfill their training and missions, and lending a hand to other military branches such as the Army.”

The U.S. Congress gave official recognition to the depot during the 77th Congress, 2nd Session, formally establishing the facility on November 18, 1942 as a U.S. Naval Fuel Depot.

Following Capt. Shrader’s remarks, Capt. Philippe Grandjean, commanding officer of NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound, gave his remarks, in which he thanked all of the employees, past and present, of the fuel depot and read a letter of recognition from Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington.

In his letter of recognition, Governor Inslee said, ‘ For 75 years, the Manchester Fuel Depot has continuously provided top quality fuels support for the U.S. and allied forces throughout the Puget Sound region and the Pacific Rim. This facility continues to be proactive in environmental and historical stewardship. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary, and thank you for your dedicated service to our country and the state of Washington.”

Following all of the remarks they celebration was capped off with a ceremonial cake cutting. The cake was cut using a knife encased in a fuel pump handle by Emilio Franco, who worked at Manchester Fuel Depot from 1974-1991 as the sole fuel department engineer, and Ann Fickle, who's husband, Jack Fickle, worked at Manchester Fuel Depot as the Depot Guard Chief from 1959-1981.

Today, Manchester Fuel Depot is the largest single-site DoD fuel terminal in the continental United States, supplying top quality military specification fuel, lubricants and additives.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2017
• Date Posted: 12.04.2017 14:10
• Story ID: 257361
• Location: PORT ORCHARD, WA, US