DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. (Aug. 15, 2013) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District joined with officials and contractors at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson Aug. 15 to break ground for the EC-130H Simulator and Operations facility.
According to Michele Mickle, the District’s quality assurance representative for the project who works at the Tucson Resident Office, the facility will provide space for the new EC-130H flight deck simulator, new EC-130H mission crew simulator and one relocated EC-130H mission crew simulator among its many benefits. The project includes demolition, grading, parking, support utilities, landscaping, and interior finishes.
“I’m very thrilled to be a part of this project,” Mickle said. “I really enjoy what I do and even more so since I know what this project is for and how it positively affects the big picture here.”
The $78 Million facility will provide space for the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron to conduct training for Airmen from around the country. More than 200 Airmen will graduate from the training each year. The facility will serve as a home training area so Airmen will not have to travel around the nation to conduct separate phases of their training.
“It’s tremendous to see this five-year vision turning into reality,” said Lt. Col. Phil Acquaro, 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron commander. “This would not have been possible without the support of the command. I also want to thank the base civil engineers and the Corps of Engineers.”
Tony Gomez, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron lead architect, said the facility will help with the Air Force’s goal of reducing its overall “footprint” by 20 percent since the new complex consolidates training from around the base and around the country.
“This will be a one-stop shop for us to train mission-ready Airmen,” said Acquaro.
Mickle said the facility is due for completion in August 2014.
“These Airmen need this facility,” Mickle said, “and I’m proud to be a part of the team that gets it for them.