Photo By Senior Airman Thomas Spangler | A construction worker operates a wheel loader during the demolition of the old gym...... read more read more
Subscribe
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – Over the past few months, many people here may have noticed older buildings, parking lots and other areas on base being demolished to make way for new construction projects.
These demolitions and construction projects will ultimately save the Air Force and Nellis Air Force Base money.
“The (old) gym and pool were demolished as part of the Air Force's effort to get rid of outdated and excess facilities, which helps to conserve maintenance and energy funds,” said Gary Faron, Nellis AFB architect. “Because the Warrior Fitness Center and housing in Area III have swimming pools, the outdoor pool next to the abandoned gym became obsolete and would have required expensive repairs to remain operational.”
These construction projects will not only save the Air Force money in the long run, but removal of the old structures will make the Exchange and Commissary more accessible for families, as well as make space to update U.S. Air Force Weapons School training facilities.
Though the demolition of the old gym may be one of the most visible projects on the base because of its close proximity to the highly trafficked Exchange and Commissary, it is not the only project on base.
“The removal of these facilities also frees up valuable land in the center of Nellis AFB for future development,” Faron said.
One proposed project is a two-story, 60-unit temporary lodging facility, said Erika Patalon, 99th Civil Engineering Squadron lightning projects team chief.
“The proposed TLF will provide a new facility in a central location on base to make getting to the Base Exchange, Commissary and other frequented places more convenient,” Patalon said.
Another project taking place across Tyndall Avenue from the USAFWS will be the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Weapons School Facility.
“The project by Bldg. 11 is for the new RPA Weapons School Facility,” Patalon said. “Current construction efforts are being made on a new parking lot as the new facility will be placed over the existing lot across from Bldg. 282, next to Bldg. 118.”
The new RPA Weapons School Facility project was contracted through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was awarded to RSC Inc. for $14.9 million. The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2016.
The USAFWS has a unique mission in which it teaches graduate-level instructor courses to provide the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers of the combat air forces and mobility air forces.
“They are temporarily operating out of outdated facilities and trailers until their new facility is completed,” Patalon said.
Because of this exclusive and invaluable mission, the USAFWS must possess the latest and most advanced training facilities to train its students. Currently, the RPA Weapons School does not, which is why new facilities are required.
The construction projects will also bring money into the local economy.
“The numerous construction projects help stimulate the local economy by employing a large number of contractors and construction workers,” Patalon said.
Three more projects that were awarded in the 2014 fiscal year include an F-35 Lightning II Parts Store, a fuel cell maintenance hangar addition, and two alternate mission equipment storage facilities.
"Currently we have many construction projects going on around Nellis AFB," said Col. Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "Due to many requirement changes and the bed-down of the F-35 here, the landscape of the base is constantly changing. Our goal is to continue to provide world-class support to all of our mission partners at Nellis and Creech AFBs, and the Nevada Test and Training Range.”
Construction projects taking place near dorms will be completed from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the current projects, there are several future projects that will be in the 2015 fiscal year construction program. These projects include an F-22 Raptor flight simulator facility, an F-35 USAFWS facility, and an F-35 maintenance hangar. The projects are set to be awarded during the summer of 2015.
With all of the work being done, it is vital that everyone traveling on base remain vigilant.
“We would like to remind folks to be patient and careful around the installation," said Lt. Col. Brian Hartless, 99th CES commander. "There are a lot of projects going on around the base, meaning there will be multiple traffic detours and construction vehicles driving around. Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe."
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2015 19:39 |
| Story ID: | 155614 |
| Location: | NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NV, US |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Base construction set to cut costs, update facilities, by SrA Thomas Spangler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT