Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility Dedication Ceremony Honoring Col. (Ret.) Lawrence E. Roberts Published Aug. 24, 2009 By 010809 KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- What: The men and women of Keesler Air Force Base will dedicate the Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility to Colonel (Ret.) Lawrence E. Roberts When: Friday, Aug 28 - 8:00 a.m. Where: Keesler AFB, Hangar Road Background: The complex was built in honor of retired Col. Lawrence E. Roberts, who flew with the Tuskegee Airmen. Roberts, who flew Piper Cubs, Boeing B-25 Bombers, C-54 transports and F-86 fighter jets, was assigned to Keesler AFB in 1943 and adopted Biloxi, MS as his home until his death in 2004. Colonel Roberts also served as a maintenance commander here. He is the father of ABC News Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. Interviews: Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, 2nd Air Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson, 81st Training Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing Commander and members of the Roberts family. This $22.6 million "state of the art" facility will be used to maintain the C-130J six-bladed composite propeller, and many other significant aircraft maintenance capabilities. In April 2009, the 403rd Maintenance Group, moved into the newly constructed 123,243 square-foot consolidated maintenance facility. Maintenance Airman have previously operated in building 4205, which was a hangar built in 1945 and damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A facility open house reception is scheduled to follow the ceremony. MEDIA: Please call 228-377-2783 by 5 p.m. Aug 26, if you would like to cover this event. For immediate queries, call 228-669-7569.