Construction continues on Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class J. Zuriel Lee
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron is currently working on many different construction projects around the base that are scheduled to be completed by February 2017.

These projects range from updating and maintaining current systems and completing Commander's In Chief Installation Excellence Award projects to establishing the ground work for the U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft buildings.

"Every complete construction project is a good news story for Altus AFB," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kirk Hull, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of the KC-46 bed-down design and construction program. "Each of them helps sustain the base mission by keeping facilities functioning, utilities operating, airfield features in good working order and sustaining overall morale of the base."

The following are a few of the projects being constructed:

- Replacement of sewer lines is an estimated $5.6 million project to be completed in the summer of 2015

- Repair of Club Altus' roof is an estimated $620,000 project to be completed by the end of January 2015

- Phase one for the KC-46 simulator buildings is an estimated $23.1 million to be completed in December 2016

Phase one for the flight training center and the fuselage trainer for the KC-46 includes the paperwork being completed and the installation of the training equipment.

The splash pad, mini-golf course and dog park are CINC IEA awarded projects that have been completed. CES has also helped with the base's archery range and the Cross Fit room in the base gym.

"Be patient with us as we improve Altus for the future," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Reich, 97 CES commander. "Our construction plans are designed to be completed in the fastest way possible. If we close a road to lay new pipes, we will shut it down, fix the pipes and cover it so the road can be opened as soon as possible. Then, at a later time, we will close it again to lay the asphalt and reopen it when it is ready."

There are several projects being built on base, as well as the repair and maintenance of existing systems.

"Most of this construction is to keep things running smoothly," said Hull. "It is sustainable construction to enhance the longevity of the base."