Corps constructs first green building at Luke AFB
By Jennie Ayala

944th Building Drawing

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, who helped accelerate the project, participated in the recent groundbreaking event for a new 20,000 square foot building, designed to improve training operations for airmen by consolidating all CES functions into one environmentally friendly facility. 

Joined by base officials, air force personnel and members of the Army Corps of Engineers, Franks noted, “the real security of our nation is the blessing of almighty God and the fervor of its soldiers.”  “I consider myself your servant in every way, I salute you with all my heart,” said Franks. 

Upon completion in 2008, the building will be LEED certifiable, the first of its kind for the base.  Motion sensor lights and fixtures will minimize lighting in the building and waste materials including metal and wood, resulting from construction, will be separated into different recycling bins.  LEED, short for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, is sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council.  LEED buildings are designed to improve the environment and the health and productivity of the workforce, conserve resources and minimize waste.  The buildings also cost less to operate and maintain. 

“This facility helps serve as a reminder of the transformation we are experiencing,” said Col. Derek Rydholm, commander of the 944th Fighter Wing.  “We are in a new position at Luke as a wing, and this facility greatly enhances training for our troops.” 

Colonel Sharon Sounhein, 944th Mission Support Group commander thanked the congressman for his visionary leadership and commitment to the base.  “This effort has been first class from the start,” she said.

The squadron currently works out of an existing 4,000 square foot building.  Equipment is stored in separate facilities due to space constraints, inhibiting inventory control and management. 

A larger, modern facility, designed to centralize and secure equipment in one location will no doubt, improve the squadron’s productivity and efficiency.  The new facility will also provide adequate space for the 120 reservists training in direct combat engineering, emergency first response and contingency engineering.

The Armed Forces, and especially the Army, are undergoing a major realignment in force structure, a transformation unprecedented since the end of the Second World War. As a major player in military construction and real estate, the Corps is tasked with building the infrastructure needed to support this initiative.  The Los Angeles District is proud of its role in providing the latest and best facilities to support active-duty and reserve troops for the three Army and six Air Force bases we serve.