Civil Engineering officially opens new complex

  • Published
  • By Michael Fletcher
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Base Civil Engineer Complex officially opened, May 8, through a formal ribbon cutting. Col. David W. Allvin, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, Altus Mayor T.L. Gramling, Col. Keith W. Moncrief, 97th Mission Support Group commander and Lt. Col. Neil D. Wentz, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, participated in the symbolic ribbon cutting to open Altus AFB's newest and one of its largest buildings. 

Built in two phases, the CE complex has 31,277 square feet of space under one roof, a 26,180 square foot shop facility and more than 20,000 square feet of covered storage building. 

"For the first time I can quickly contact every section, instead of having to drive to scattered buildings," Colonel Wentz said. "We closed 15 old buildings, improving efficiency and cost savings. 

"The Air Force has set the goal of reducing 20 percent of office space and energy costs by the year 2020," Colonel Wentz said. "This is a significant step toward meeting that goal." 

Offices in the complex include the CE command section, engineering flight, operations flight, asset management flight, readiness flight, resources flight and office space for the Army Corps of Engineers. 

"The cost for Phase I and Phase II was $12.6 million," said Colonel Wentz. "The 15 buildings we moved from were old and not energy efficient. We will recoup a large amount through money not spent on renovation and energy costs. The new complex has a computerized environmental management control system that works on zones. Areas not populated during certain periods of time have heat or air conditioning turned off and we track energy consumption through a computer program, saving approximately 49,000 in energy savings annually." 

Colonel Allvin and Colonel Wentz recognized people instrumental in the planning and support of the complex. 

"This is a magnificent facility and it really speaks to the enduring nature of support to complete this project," Colonel Allvin said. Military Construction contracts are shrinking and we are fortunate to have this one completed; we can be very proud. I have to give credit to the community of Altus for their support. Such a small community, yet we had more than 50 representatives at the recent Quail Breakfast in Washington, interfacing with legislative staffs and lobbying support for Altus AFB." 

Colonel Wentz thanked Col. (ret.) "Burly" Burleson, Charlie Fields, Walt Garner, and the Military Affairs Committee for the help in getting the complex construction approved.
"Their advocacy, along with support from Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe and his staff, led by John Bonsell, gained congressional support for funding the MILCON," Colonel Wentz said. "Without this teamwork and support, we would have not the fine facility we see before us today."