PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Bagram Air Field Dec. 15, for an aircraft hangar built for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
Maintenance soldiers from Task Force Mountain Eagle, 10th CAB, began working at the hanger around the beginning of December.
“I like it,” said U.S. Army Spc. Floyd Brown, an engine mechanic with Company B, TF Mountain Eagle, 10th CAB and a native of Houston. “It’s a lot bigger than what we had last deployment. We didn’t have any of the cranes we have here. This hangar has three bays. It’s almost as good as what we have in garrison.”
The construction of the state-of-the-art hangar benefits not only the 10th CAB, but the Air Force, as well, which will be able to expand their aviation logistics capabilities.
“Because of this facility, we will be able to move the post office, DHL and Presidential Air to get them closer to their aircraft and increase efficiency,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Todd Canterbury, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander and a native of Litchfield Park, Ariz. “This move will enable us to expand and create a cargo processing facility that will increase efficiency with all military cargo. Finally, this move will allow us to ... increase the passenger terminal footprint which will ... cause less turbulence in soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines trying to get home.”
Michael Weinmuller, the project manager from CH2MHill, the company who managed the project and a native of Portland, Ore., thanked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Yuksel, the company that completed the construction.
“Thank you for building the best hangar in Afghanistan,” said Weinmuller. “Knowing the men and women of the military would be utilizing it, a lot of care went into every nut and bolt. I guarantee it.”
Before cutting the ribbon with Canterbury, U.S. Army Col. Pedro Almeida, 10th CAB, TF Falcon commander, and a native of New Bedford, Mass., expressed his appreciation for the hangar to be used by his soldiers.
“The work you’ve done to build this hangar – it’s all tied to the soldiers walking the beat on patrol,” said Almeida. “Your hard work is greatly appreciated, and I can assure you we are going to put this facility to great use.”