The new Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Operations Complex Phase I for the 80th Flying Training Wing is a military construction project currently in the hands of the Army Corp of Engineers. The new operations complex is expected to be turned over to the 80th on or before May 4. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ 2d Lt. Sara Harper)
The remains of an old dorm after being torn down from years of wear and tear, this dorm was located across from the wing headquarter building. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ 2d Lt. Sara Harper)
When driving across base, it’s no secret that there is a lot of construction and demolition going on around Sheppard. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ 2d Lt Sara Harper)
The new operations complex is LEED Silver certified, meaning it’s the first “green” building on Sheppard and meets numerous environmental requirements. (U.S. Air Force Photo/ 2d Lt. Sara Harper)
The intersection between Avenue D/ E, and 9th Avenue is undergoing repairs for potholes and deterioration. The projects expected completion date is mid-March, weather permitting. (U.S Air Force Photo 2nd Lt. Sara Harper)
by 2nd Lieutenant Sara Harper
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
2/8/2012 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When driving across base, it's no secret that there is a lot of construction and demolition going on around Sheppard. From improving gate security to renovating fitness facilities these changes are improving the base's ability to accomplish its mission and the quality of life for those executing the mission.
"Improving and sustaining Sheppard's infrastructure is one of my three strategic priorities, along with maximizing mission accomplishment and caring for our people and their families," said Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke, 82nd Training Wing commander.
According to Mark McBurnett, civilian director of the Civil Engineering Squadron, the reason for all the construction is simple and straight forward.
"The infrastructure needs it," he said. "It's aged since 1942, and now a good many of our buildings are from the 60's and 70's and are in need of renovations."
Dorms:
Numerous dorms will receive renovations in 2012. McBurnett said there is a process in place to improve the quality and longevity of several facilities.
"In FY12 we are poised to receive $11.2 million in the Dorm Focus Fund and the Demo Consolidation Fund to renovate buildings 790, 791, 792, 793, 776," McBurnett said. "All of these dorms will receive HVAC systems replacement that will improve user comfort by allowing for a quicker response to large temperature changes in a short time frame and will significantly reduce the mold issues that we've experienced in the dorms."
In addition, the dorms will undergo mechanical renovations and receive new carpet, paint and light fixtures.
Army Air Force Exchange Services:
The South Shopette and the Base Exchange are currently undergoing renovation. The new AAFES exchange logo will be put on the buildings and renovations will create more space for customers to shop comfortably.
"The renovations will allow us to bring in nicer items and give us the space to provide our customers better quality products and a more enjoyable shopping experience," said Efren Estrada, operations manager for Sheppard's Exchange.
The Base Exchange will be finished in July with a grand opening scheduled for Aug. 1.
80th Operations Complex:
The new Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Operations Complex Phase I for the 80th Flying Training Wing is a military construction project currently in the hands of the Army Corp of Engineers. David Hudson, construction manager, has managed the contract from the design phase through the construction phase and expects to turn the building over to the 80th on or before May 4.
The new operations complex is LEED Silver certified, meaning it's the first "green" building on Sheppard and meets numerous environmental requirements.
"The exterior of the building is designed to withstand a wind load of up to 200 miles-per-hour", Hudson said. "The building construction is designed to be so efficient and that the computer models show there to be as much as 50 percent savings on energy cost."
Fitness Facilities:
The Force Support Squadron is installing a walking/running trail for workouts, with two or three stops equipped with exercise equipment. A one-sixth mile track is also under construction near the library. Both of these projects are scheduled to be completed in late spring.
"The course was a result from a push by the Airmen in Training Counsel that wanted to get runners off the street and give people a safe place to run and workout," said Cindy Conn, fitness and sports manager.
Other fitness facilities improvements include reopening the Pitsenbarger racquetball courts which were closed for safety concerns, renovating the aerobics rooms at both gyms and refinishing the tennis courts outside the Levitow Fitness Center.
Road and Gate Improvements:
The main gate recently received a makeover with the finishing touches still being added. The gate was open to traffic and functional Jan. 9.
Improvements at the main gate included putting up a new canopy, upgrading the inside of the guard house, replacing rubber speed tables with concrete tables and repairing deteriorated areas in the road.
"This canopy has better lighting, it allows the guards to be out of the elements, and we were able to put the 'Combat Capability Starts Here' message out for the public to see," said Jay Gilmore, lead civil engineer.
According to Gilmore, concrete speed tables which slow traffic down and enhance security were just installed at the clinic gate and are expected to be installed at the Missile Road gate next.
Currently, the intersection between Avenues D/ E and 9th Avenue is undergoing the repair of potholes and deterioration. The project's expected completion date is mid-March, weather permitting.
Sheppard continues to work to create a base with the infrastructure needed to execute its training mission effectively. Maintaining and improving base infrastructure takes hard work from base personnel in identifying and applying for available funding, and in the case of the AETC's energy program award this past year, earning money through an award for a well-executed program.
