Floating Bridge to Floating Docks:Complex Criteria for Small Craft Naval Harbor

Protected, accessible mooring space with sufficient services and capacity is in high demand at congested naval bases. Several commands need berths and waterfront facilities, including the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington State (see Figure 1). This type of facility requires special considerations. Passing vessels' wake may affect the ability to perform some duties. Other considerations include the need for dedicated areas for security or safety, staging, and waterfront access. Limitations may push new facilities into areas of seas rougher than desirable for small craft moorage. Environmental stewardship also plays a role, as the federal government has increased sustainability goals for all projects. This paper discusses the complex criteria involved in using surplus pontoons from the Hood Canal Bridge in Washington as a new floating dock for small craft at the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Reuse of pontoons helps meet sustainability goals and decreases costs. Pontoons that hug the waterfront and allow moorage between the pontoons and shore successfully provide shelter and moorage space.