Base continues to reduce footprint

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  As the base continues demolition to reduce its footprint, Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander, and Col. Jeffrey Maxwell, 366th Mission Support Group commander, helped demolish Bldg. 273 June 19.

The Air Combat Command consolidation and demolition program initiative includes removing older facilities across the command to improve energy efficiency and eliminate utility and maintenance costs.

"The completed and scheduled projects will reduce the base's footprint by almost 98,000 square feet while saving more than $200,000 a year in utilities and routine maintenance or repair costs," said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Ledoux, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of operations support. "The effort also helps improve the base's appearance by removing dilapidated and unsightly structures."

The demolition projects also provide unique training opportunities.

In March and April of 2007, firefighters conducted live fire training in Bldg. 1612, setting the building ablaze for the final time on April 12, 2007. Members of the Mountain Home volunteer fire department and the base Air Force Office of Special Investigation also benefited from this training.

Airmen from the 446th CES at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., helped demolish the base's old veterinary clinic July 2007. The Airmen stayed for two weeks to assist members of 366th CES with demolition and renovation projects while completing needed up-grade training.

"The new plans will also consolidate organizations that have been spread across the base to one, more efficient location," said Lieutenant Ledoux.

The demolition plan means some Gunfighters will move to other locations.

"While it may appear to be a hassle now, demolition plans will greatly benefit the base in the long run," said 2nd Lt. Melissa Brown, 366th CES projects manager. "The base's appearance will be improved, money will be saved and the buildings will offer many unique training opportunities for Gunfighters."

While demolition projects continue to shape the base throughout the years, it can only be successfully accomplished with patience and cooperation from all involved, she added.

"As we continue to replace aging facilities with new buildings, there will always be a need to remove structures that have reached the end of their useful life," said Lieutenant Brown.