Marina opening

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Colonel Ron D. Buckley, 366th Fighter Wing Commander, cuts the ceremonial ribbon May 21, officially opening the main building of the Strike Dam Marina while Lt. Col. Michal D. Holliday, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron commander, looks on. Personnel from the 366th CES used rebuilding Strike Dam Marina’s main building as a training opportunity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton.)

Marina opening

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – 2nd Lt. David Liapis, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs chief of strategic communications, and his children, along with Lt. Col. Michal D. Holliday, 366th Civil Engineering Squadron commander, and his wife Kelly, prepare to receive a boat ride on the C.J. Strike Reservoir from Elmore County Sherriff’s Department Marine Deputy Laytreda Schultz May 21. The Elmore County Sherriff’s Department was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new main marina facility built by 366th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton.)

Marina opening

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Senior Airman David A. Knapp, 366th Communications Squadron network administrator, and his wife Ashley relax while enjoying the beautiful weather at the Strike Dam Marina’s grand opening May 21. Personnel from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron rebuilt the main building of the marina as part of a project to help Airmen receive realistic training to prepare them for deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton.)

Marina opening

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – The new main building at the Strike Dam Marina was built by the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron and unveiled at the official ribbon cutting ceremony May 21. The 366th CES tore down the old facility and built the new one during the marinas off-season in preparation for the 2011 summer season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton.)

Civil Engineering rebuilds Strike Dam Marina main building

Published May 24, 2011
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The Strike Dam Marina held a grand re-opening event May 21 to celebrate the rebuilding of the marina's main building by personnel from the 366th Civil Engineering Squadron.

"The marina is a little known, seasonal operation so this particular building was more than 60 years old and in extreme need of renovation," said Michael D. Hurt, Director of Outdoor Recreation, 366th Force Support Squadron. "I am extremely thrilled about this new building. Civil Engineering did a fantastic job, it looks very professional and well constructed."

According to CE personnel, the entire project of tearing down the old building and constructing the new one was done during the marina's off-season.

"This is another opportunity for the Gunfighter community to take advantage of Idaho, and this facility really needed renovation," said Col. Ronald D. Buckley, 366th Fighter Wing Commander. "The hard work and attention to detail shows in the phenomenal job CES did while getting some valuable training."

The base's lead civil engineer agrees with the Wing Commander and was excited to take on this project because of the usefulness as a training exercise.

"When we deploy, one of our main tasks is wood frame construction and I felt it was vital that young Airmen were given this opportunity for a chance at some real world training," explained Lt. Col. Michal D. Holliday, CES commander. "I want to make sure when they eventually deploy they have the necessary skills to hit the ground running."

Many members of the Gunfighter community were present to participate in the grand opening day's events. Lunch was provided by the 366th Gunfighter Club while the marina staff provided free guided boat rides and tours of the Strike Dam Marina area.

"I heard about the grand opening and thought it would be a great opportunity to come and enjoy the marina as well as see the brand new building," said Senior Airman David A. Knapp, 366th Communications Squadron Network Administrator. "I have been coming here for the last two years, and the new building is simply amazing. It was very run-down before, CE did an extremely professional job."

For more information, visit or contact outdoor recreation at 828-6333 or the Strike Dam Marina at 834-2723. The marina is open Saturdays, Sundays, down days and holidays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.