Barksdale undergoes renovation, construction projects Published Feb. 25, 2010 By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Barksdale Air Force Base members have seen 42 renovation and construction projects completed here with more than 130 on the way as Air Force Global Strike Command integrates with the 2nd Bomb Wing here. More than 50 percent of Barksdale AFB facilities are on the National Historic Register and while these facilities have a great deal of character, they also require significant effort and resources to maintain and modernize. "Due to the fact that we are such an antique base, a lot of the buildings will be renovated instead of torn down," said Eric Tillstrom, the 2nd Civil Engineering squadron chief of programs flight. "But, there will be some buildings that will actually be demolished." Modular trailers have been set up temporarily across from the Red River Dining Facility for the 2nd Force Support and Comptroller squadrons until the new mission support group complex building is finished. The new complex will consolidate functions of base contracting, FSS front office, comptroller service, retiree affairs and military personnel flight customer service. "Instead of having everyone all scattered out, we wanted to get all the people function organizations in one place," Mr. Tillstrom said. "That way when retirees and dependents come on base they can handle all their business in a one-stop shop." Current projects include an 8th Air Force annex, weather squadron, 49th Test Squadron, 96th Bomb Squadron, 20th Bomb Squadron, security forces complex, new baseball fields, new lighting at the north gate, a new facility for the military working dogs and the opening of a new gate on the East Reservation. All of the projects total approximately $69.5 million. "While we will do everything in our power to ensure the contractors are timely, efficient and professional, the footprint of main base is so compressed that the number of ongoing construction contracts create parking constraints, construction noise and untidy appearance," said Lt. Col David Chisenhall Jr, the 2nd Civil Engineering Squadron commander. "This is a small price to pay as we make the installation better for those Airmen who will follow in our footsteps." All buildings will be equipped with a new energy efficient system; also known as green building. All buildings will have energy monitoring and control systems which will monitor the air conditioners and heating systems allowing temperatures to be set within a certain degree to save energy. "As we continue to strengthen the nuclear enterprise, make AFGSC a model major command, and elevate Barksdale to new heights, we must provide our Airmen with the facilities and environment in which they can be fully productive and proud to serve," Colonel Chisenhall said.