• NB VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.  

In late February, the base here welcomed the grand opening of a Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Micro Market. The site, located onboard Port Hueneme — one of the base’s operating facilities — is a self-service, self-checkout store. 

The Port Hueneme Micro Market is open 24 hours, seven days a week and takes both cash and credit card payments. While unmanned, the market has a team which is in charge of restocking the store as needed for optimal Sailor convenience. 

The Micro Market is equipped with the latest technology to offer fast checkout to include Biometric Technology and Personalized Market Accounts. 

“The Micro Market is a self-service, self-checkout store that offers a broad array of fresh food, healthy and traditional snacks, and beverage products at a convenient location for ease of access and quick purchases,” said Nancy Devore, NEXCOM manager. “The Micro Market is also equipped with coffee machines and microwaves for added convenience.” 

“BIG IMPACT” 

NBVC is major shore war fighting platform. The base is composed of three operating facilities — Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island — and is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, three warfare centers and 110 tenant commands. 

With such a busy base to serve, NEXCOM is following the demand of the popular trend to offer self-checkout and self-service stores. There are over 90 Micro Markets across the Navy. NEXCOM started the initiative years ago and plans to continue its growth. 

“NEXCOM considers all demographics for service, but the Micro Market is especially ideal for junior single Sailors,” Devore noted. “The Micro Market offers this group access to food after hours or even when restricted to the installation.” 

“What might appear to be a small project will have a big impact to enhance mission-focused quality of life for our Sailors,” said Capt. Dan “DB” Brown, commanding officer, NBVC. “The Micro Market marks an important milestone and highlights our teams working together across service lines to accomplish important installation improvements.”  

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jessica Moran-Morales agreed with Brown. “Challenges to access after-hour food services can lower morale, especially for those without personal vehicles,” she said.  

Moran-Morales, who resides in unaccompanied housing, added, “I think this is a convenient solution and a win for the Sailors.” 

Source: NVBC Ventura County, Calif., Public Affairs, via DVIDS 

Edited by Larry Lapka