Airfield repairs begin Published Dec. 11, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch Keesler News editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- The largest airfield ramp repair project in Keesler history began Dec. 1. The 270-day project will vastly improve the airfield's capabilities, according to Justin Cooper, 81st Operations Support Flight chief of airfield operations. Base personnel should expect to see numerous concrete trucks and other heavy equipment traveling on base to and from the airfield during this project. In addition to the ramp repair, four other construction projects on or near the airfield are currently under way. However all concrete and asphalt pavement projects will be complete prior to Keesler's Air Show and Open House scheduled for April 4-5. Current airfield operations support the C-21 flying missions of the 45th Airlift Squadron and C-130s from the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing. In addition, the airfield provides support for the Coast Guard's aircraft training, distinguished visitors' aircraft, higher headquarters directed missions, transient aircraft for Air Education and Training Command's training missions and any other contingency operations that may arise. The improvements will further increase the airfield's capabilities, according to Mr. Cooper. The structure and integrity of the parking ramps will be improved, allowing C-130s and larger aircraft to park safely. The cracks and chips on the ramp will be fixed and entire slabs of concrete will be replaced. Without the improvements, larger aircraft such as C-17s could cause the pavement to crush under their weight. The capability to support such aircraft is paramount during contingency operations since hurricane evacuation plans could call for the use of C-17s if the student population must be airlifted, according to Mr. Cooper. The use of C-17s was instrumental in providing supplies and relief efforts to Keesler and the Gulf Coast community after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he said. At one time, six C-17s were on Keesler's parking ramp the week after Katrina. The airfield will remain operational during the construction project, which will result in reduced work space for 403rd Wing reservist maintenance crews, according to Maj. Kevin Green, 403rd Wing project officer for ramp repair. "It's like renovating a building you're still working in, except trickier," said Mr. Cooper. "There are space requirements such as aircraft wing-tip clearances, aircraft taxi routes to and from the runway, and vehicle placement objectives to consider." Aircraft are normally moved daily to accommodate maintenance. However, they must now be towed to accommodate construction, flying and maintenance. As a result, certified aircraft tow team members must constantly stop maintenance production to reposition aircraft to meet these requirements. At times, this can reduce maintenance capabilities by up to 50 percent. Due to increased aircraft movement, daily meetings about parking are needed to de-conflict all airfield operations, according to 1st Lt. Laura Chighizola, 81st OSF airfield operations officer. "Safety is our greatest concern throughout the aircraft parking ramp repairs," said Major Green. "What makes ensuring safety a challenge is that as work space decreases our 'real-world' and training requirements remain constant." Many agencies have come together to make the planning and execution process of this project a success, said Major Green. "A tremendous deal of planning and scheduling have been involved for the 81st Training Wing and the 403rd Wing reservists, which has led to superb teamwork and collaboration to make this project happen," said Mr. Cooper.