3 construction projects address Keesler priorities

Published Jan. 19, 2011
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's students live in modern dormitories, but permanent party dorm dwellers live in structures built more than five decades ago. Law enforcers and prospective deployers want to hone their shooting skills without the impediment of inclement weather. Reservists need a modern facility for aircraft and equipment maintenance.

All three of these priorities are being addressed by current onstruction projects at Keesler.

Permanent party dorm

Just over a year ago, Keesler broke ground on its first permanent party dormitory in 50 years. If Mother Nature cooperates, the project should be completed in late summer.

The $14,453,279 contract calls for a 57,000-square-foot main building with four three-story wings to house 144 personnel in four-room modules. Each module provides a private bedroom and bathroom along with a common kitchen, living space and laundry room for the four occupants There'll also be a single-story commons building, central chiller plant and recreational spaces in an outdoor courtyard."

Storm, sewer and parking lot site work is under way. Brick placement is ongoing in all buildings, and window installation has begun. Metal stud framing is ongoing and interior sheet rock work started last month. Roofing being installed on all buildings.

Construction will achieve LEED Silver certification, a national benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

Indoor small arms range

Foundation fill work is taking place at the site on Chappie James Boulevard near Larcher Chapel for this $5,328,543 facility. Work should be completed in October.

The new indoor range will incorporate state of the art technology to train security forces and other base personnel on shoot, move and communication techniques that are vital to the warfighting effort, rain or shine. It will allow allow the use of highmobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles that enable Airmen to practice firing techniques used during convoy operations.

Aerial port facility

Work was scheduled to begin this week on this $6,826,767 yearlong construction project. The new structure will provide space to support and maintain the 403rd Wing's aircraft and equipment.

The parachute dryer tower is being redesigned to meet current height restrictions. New monitoring wells are being added in a contract modification to address any storm water runoff environmental concerns at the site.