Group turning crumbling symbol into a military airfield

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group civil engineers are turning what was once a crumbling symbol of oppression into a military airfield that supports operations aimed at eliminating terrorists.

In 1955, the Soviet Union promised $100 million to Afghanistan. Part of that money was to be used for a new strategic air base near the capital city of Kabul. That base is Bagram.

The base became the primary Soviet airfield here during the 1980s, and was built to support countless Cold War fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Almost 50 years after construction began at Bagram Air Base, and more than 30 years after the existing flightline was built, war, weather, time and shoddy construction have taken their toll.

Working in the shadow of the Hindu Kush Mountains, engineers are currently expanding parking for A-10 Thunderbolt IIs.

As recently as 1997, Bagram was under the control of the Taliban. Now, working amidst combat aircraft operations, the engineers are doing their part to bring about the demise of oppression in Afghanistan.

The current phase of construction includes 10,000 square feet of additional cargo ramp space and 90,000 square feet of space for combat aircraft.

"Bagram is littered with thousands of unexploded mines and other ordnance, and we have to keep a sharp eye out for these dangers as we prepare the ground," said Staff Sgt. Dale Murray, a 455th EOG pavements and equipment journeyman deployed from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. "The project will ultimately make a difference for the safety and security of the aircraft."

The engineers are also responsible for building all concrete forms and making sure the construction meets Air Force standards.

"Our first challenge with the project was limited equipment and supplies. We even had to make our elevations shots the old fashioned way, using a string line and level," said Staff Sgt. Wesley Jones, the 455th EOG airfield ramp project leader who is deployed from Travis AFB, Calif. "I'm particularly proud of how our electricians, structures troops, engineer assistants and supply folks are all working together to get the job done."

The engineers' work has a positive impact on all aircraft operations, including maintenance activities.

"The flightline expansion helps tremendously with the upkeep of the jets," said Senior Airman Jeffrey Skaggs, a 455th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron A-10 crew chief deployed from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. "The turns required to marshal the jets on the current ramp cause the tires to wear much faster than normal. The new ramp will enable the aircraft to depart on a straight path to the arming area."

This means alert aircraft can be launched faster, and support ground forces sooner.

"Every slab of concrete our engineers pour is like a tombstone for the people who threaten the stability and development of Afghanistan," said Col. D. Lee Hall Jr., the 455th EOG commander who is deployed from Hill AFB, Utah. "The airfield project is paving the way to the end of the road for Osama bin Laden."