by Capt. Jamie Humphries
438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
8/23/2011 - KABUL, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, increased its capacity recently when officials opened a new rotary wing apron with a goal of increasing capability to stage rotary wing aircraft.
Approximately 112,000 meters in size, the apron has the ability to park 18 UH-60 Blackhawks, 14 CH-47 Chinooks and 10 AH-64 Apache helicopters.
The apron will be used as a staging and servicing area for units belonging to Task Force Spearhead, which also operate out of Shindand.
The project started in September and was completed four months ahead of schedule, officials said.
"The opening of the apron is just one of many construction projects taking place here at Shindand," said Col. John Hokaj, the commander of the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. "It is a critical milestone in moving forces to the Far East Expansion and the building of a new training runway."
Agencies contributing to the project included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tetra Tech Incorporated, Yuksel Incorporated and members of the 838th AEAG. The private contractors employed more than 230 employees to help finish the project early.
Although the apron is not currently slated to be a staging area for medical evacuations, it will eventually be handed over to the Afghan air force for their use in facilitation of operational missions.
"We continue to work hard in developing Shindand with a goal of the base becoming the crown jewel of the Afghan air force," Hokaj said. "This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work and effort put forth by different organizations, and I'm glad to be associated with the outcome."
In July, construction projects expanded Shindand to nearly three times its original size, making it the second largest airfield throughout Afghanistan. The ultimate goal of the expansion is to make room for a new 1.3-mile NATO training runway; construction is scheduled to begin early 2012.
Comments
8/30/2011 7:45:41 PM ET "Approximately 112,000 meters in size, the apron has the ability to park 18 UH-60 Blackhawks 14 CH-47 Chinooks and 10 AH-64 Apache helicopters. The apron will be used as a staging and servicing area for units belonging to Task Force Spearhead which also operate out of Shindand." Good job, PA. Let's just throw out the tail numbers and aircrew names too. See 22 Aug AFNews Commentary on OPSEC.
JAFSO, Saddle Rock CO
8/27/2011 7:20:50 AM ET I agree with Dave C. As we lay off fireman, police, and teachers, we keeping pouring money over there. FOR WHAT?
Jim C, Jax Fl
8/26/2011 4:47:43 AM ET I agree with Dave C. of Ohio. America is on the verge of economic collapse and we are still pouring billions into a country that pretty much hates our guts and wants us out. I would bet most folks don't know about the super modern power plant we built for them also. Only problem, they can't afford the fuel to run it. Or the ultra modern hospital we built that will become useless because the country doesn't have the means to repair high tech equipment when it goes down or the people with the expertise to run it. I could go on and on but help should start at home first.
Bryan B., Arizona
8/24/2011 9:34:32 AM ET Sweet! Let's keep pouring money we don't have on stupid projects to a base we won't be at. Maybe we can just build the Afgans a whole new base. Lord knows thier loyalty only lies in those who give them the most.
