FORT STEWART, Ga. - In an effort to expand the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s footprint the 92nd Engineer Battalion constructed a 2.8 acre concrete pad motor park adjacent to pre-existing motor pools Aug.9 through Oct. 25, 2017 at Fort Stewart, Ga.
Since 2nd ABCT converted from a light to armored brigade Oct. 16, the unit will need increased space to house their vehicles, which are expected to arrive by Spring 2018. The brigade has already begun fielding the M88 recovery vehicle, the M113 family of vehicles and expects to field over 200 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting vehicles over the next few months.
The current footprint that the Spartan Brigade occupies was originally designed for a light infantry brigade and doesn’t have adequate space for the equipment of an armored brigade.
The project was a collaborative effort between 2nd ABCT, 92nd Eng. Bn. and Fort Stewart’s Department of Public Works (DPW).
“The mission of the DPW is to provide environmentally healthy municipal services that are both ecologically sound and cost effective,” said Carl G. Steen, a civilian contractor with DPW. “It helped us tremendously and at the same time we get to train and work with the Soldiers.”
The overall construction project consisted of three phases:
With phase one consisting of cutting down four acres of heavy vegetation, removing roots to a certain depth, and leveling the entire lot so that engineers could work.
The second phase involved Soldiers of the 92nd Eng. Bn. to pour 32 sections of concrete, measuring in at 43,500 square feet. “Soldiers worked at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures and lighter traffic,” said Steen.
“Soldiers were able to complete this project three weeks ahead of schedule, despite the hurricane evacuation. This was a large scale project, requiring the coordination and manpower of both engineer construction companies in our Battalion,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Wilhelm, construction technician with 92nd EN BN. “Projects like these don't come often, and we were glad to work with 2nd Brigade.”
The final phase consisted of contractors coming to the motor pool to fence and secure the area. They also provided landscaping around the perimeter.
Phase three will be completed once the motor pool has lighting, which will be provided and installed by the Canoochee Electric Company.
“It’s been decades since the 92nd Eng. Bn. did this type of mission,” said Capt. Alexander Dillon, commander of 554th Engineer Construction Company. “This makes a huge impact on the entire installation, and thanks to Soldiers being proficient at their jobs, it has saved the Army a lot of money.”