ADANA, Turkey - Driving around base, residents will notice various construction projects underway. These updates come as an ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life for Airmen and their families here.
Some of these updates include the Consolidated Community Center, military family housing and multiple building upgrades.
"Most of the upgrades constructed by The United States Engineer Group center on new technology, improvements to seismic protection, and basic upgrade to living conditions," said Army Capt. Amara Atella, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, deputy resident engineer. "The new houses on base have doubled the amount of outlets for both 220 and 110 voltage and the walls are doubled in thickness for seismic protection."
"For the CCC, the existing facilities are old and outdated," said Atella. "The new facility will provide a central location for residents to utilize the services of the theater, education center, community center and library."
While residents may encounter relocations of certain offices, providing services and customer support will continue.
"We have started to coordinate the 39th Air Base Wing Headquarters building renovations in advance," said Ozlem Durmaz Kocaoz, Vinnell, Brown & Root, construction management chief. "Temporary locations have been identified and required agencies have been involved at leadership levels to ensure a smooth transition as much as it may be possible."
Renovation and utility upgrade projects are the result of outdated systems, old infrastructures, unavailability of spare parts for maintenance and changes in codes and requirements. Road constructions are based on 10-year planning efforts and existing conditions, explained Kocaoz.
The VBR office currently monitors a total of 31 ongoing and active construction projects. Current renovations are as follows:
• Wing headquarters renovation
• Combat Arms Training and Maintenance building construction
• Incirlik Consolidated Club fire sprinkler system upgrade
• Base power conversion project at the main transformer
• Incirlik Fitness Center gym locker rooms and bathroom renovation
• Main water line replacements at multiple locations including Phantom and Falcon Housing
• A-Street pavement repair project
Along with the CCC and military family housing projects, TUSEG current projects on base are:
• Upgrades to the medical clinic
• Upgrades to the school's roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and fire alarm systems
"We at TUSEG understand some of the inconvenience that the delay in our construction projects have caused, but want the public to know that quality of our projects is of the utmost importance," said Atella. "Our team is working hard to get these facilities turned over to the base and we are confident that once they are turned over that everyone will be pleased with the final product."
As residents see changes to the base while construction continues, the focus for these projects remains the same.
"We're always looking for ways to improve the quality of life of our Airmen, civilians and their families here," said Col. Brent Bigger, 39th Air Base Wing vice commander. "Our people are our most precious resource. Providing the best possible infrastructure and support facilities around Incirlik will not only help our community today, but also shape a sustainable future for Team Incirlik and those that follow us in the years to come."