379th ECES members build for enduring operations

Published May 10, 2010
By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Members of the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron recently began various projects to help transition from an expeditionary to enduring operation at an air base here.

With more than 140 construction projects in progress or being designed by base engineers, 379th ECES members have embraced initiatives including a new passenger terminal for in- and out-bound servicemembers, an expansion of the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group facility, solar-powered street lights and the conversion of the "Desert Eagle Lounge" to the "Fox Sports Lounge."

Much of the construction is quality-of-life initiatives, helping servicemembers cope with increasing deployment lengths, and permanent-party assignments.

One initiative is the recently completed Kasbah Officers' Lounge. A co-located enlisted lounge is scheduled for completion in mid-June.

"After a long, hard day's work, the lounges will give servicemembers a chance to take a break and unwind," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Viau, the 379th ECES structures NCO in charge. "It's nice to have a place to go and enjoy yourself, especially as we go to an enduring base."

There is also a program to replace all the smaller latrines located across the base. Members of the 379th ECES are currently replacing four of the smaller units per quarter.

"We recently had four open on the northeast side of coalition compound," said Capt. Jared Maline, the 379th ECES Programs Flight chief. "As this quarter progresses, servicemembers will see new, improved units opening in various locations across the base."

The PAX terminal is also being revamped to handle the high number of personnel travelling through Southwest Asia.

The terminal currently serves more than 80,000 people per year, said Captain Maline. The initiative will expand capacity and comfort for travelers, and include an additional area outside the terminal for transients.

"During the additions process, the terminal will be housed in a temporary shelter," said Sergeant Viau. "The shelter is a 29 x 54-foot air-conditioned tent."
The PAX terminal project is scheduled for completion in October.

Members of the 379th ECES will soon begin installing solar-powered street lights in the Blatchford-Preston Complex.

"The streetlights will use a renewable energy that will reduce cost immediately when our Airmen don't have to run electrical wire," Captain Maline said. "We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the solar-power lights and implement them throughout the base on a case-by-case basis."

As the base continues to rely on the 379th ECES, its Airmen will be given opportunities to work on projects they are rarely offered.

"These initiatives are huge projects," said Sergeant Viau. "It's hard work that has included months of preparation and planning. However, we'll leave a legacy for years to come."

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