Ribbon cutting opens new Marine barracks

Photo By Sgt. Joshua Young | Jeff Harper, the president and owner of Harper Construction, cuts the ribbon for Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Package 5 at 21 Area, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 23. The new barracks provide better living conditions for Marines and include many energy saving features that are expected to reduce energy costs by approximately 46 percent.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

09.29.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Young 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - A ribbon-cutting ceremony for new enlisted living quarters was held aboard Camp Pendleton's Del Mar area, Sept. 23.

Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Package 5 opened its' doors to Marines of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. The $140 million project includes a five-story complex with 889 rooms for 1,788 Marines, offering more room and deluxe living conditions.

"They don't even compare to the old barracks," said Pfc. Jason Baca.

"They are on a whole other level. It's like college dorm rooms. I feel like I'm living at college right now."

The building was designed to save energy and resources as well as provide a more fun and safe living environment for Marines. It is expected to reduce energy costs by approximately 46 percent.

"Energy saving is huge, especially for facilities like this," said Jeff Harper, the president and owner of Harper Construction. "The panels that are on sight here are generating almost 15 percent of the energy for this building. It's going to have a relatively low-maintenance budget."

"They have automatic lights that turn on when you come in and off when you leave," Baca said. "That can save energy."
LED lights, solar panels and triple window blinds are among some of the other energy saving features.

The building also offers a wide range of social and recreational features.

"We are really fortunate," said Col. Steven M. Hanson, the commanding officer of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. "A lot of special attributes were put into this in terms of the recreational facilities, line-of-sight views, balconies, amphitheaters, an outdoor fireplace and the putting green. We have to do our best to take care of this facility."

• Date Taken: 09.29.2011
• Date Posted: 09.29.2011 13:54
• Story ID: 77777
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US