Demolition reduces base’s ‘footprint’

Published Aug. 7, 2007
By Airman Samantha S. DeVries
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Significant changes loom on the horizon for the base as more buildings are added to the demolition schedule.

As part of Air Combat Command's consolidation and demolition program, the initiative includes removing older facilities across the command. The goal is to improve energy efficiency and eliminate utility and maintenance costs associated with maintaining older structures.

"The currently 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. Jared Casebolt, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron project engineer. "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, firefighters conducted live fire training at Bldg. 1612 -- a facility already scheduled for demolition.

On April 12, base engineers set the building ablaze one final time to test the abilities of base and local firefighters to combat a fire they may one day face in an uncontrolled situation.

Members of the Mountain Home volunteer fire department came to the base April 10 to train with Gunfighters. The building also served as a training ground for special agents from the base Air Force Office of Special Investigation. The AFOSI members walked through the site to familiarize themselves with how fires are investigated and help them figure out what happened.

The fire department hopes to use another base building slated for demolition to continue this level of training, said Cliff Lewis, base fire chief. If the department does get another building, it plans to hold several burns in September.

"Right now, Bldg. 1807 is a candidate for fire training in the September or October time frame," said Lieutenant Casebolt. "With every facility we demolish we try to get as much utility out of them as we can before they are gone."

Airmen from the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., helped demolish the base's old veterinary clinic July 23 and 24. The Airmen stayed for two weeks in July 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 the lieutenant.

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 Lieutenant Casebolt. "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, it can only be successfully accomplished with patience and cooperation from all involved, he added. As more structures are added to the list, the project will continue on through next year, but will not stop there.

"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," the lieutenant said.

As more buildings slip below Air Force standards, the 366th CES will continue to stay a step ahead to ensure the base maintains a great appearance and Gunfighters have more efficient place to fulfill the mission.

Demolition reduces base’s ‘footprint’

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