AFCEE nears completion of large-scale renovation

  • Published
  • By Robert Ginsberg
  • Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A large-scale, $2 million renovation project at Bldg. 38 at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is nearing completion.

The Base Realignment and Closure project, managed by engineers at the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment here, will combine Air Force egress and survival shops currently located in separate facilities at Randolph.

In support of the 12th Flying Training Wing, the egress shop stores and maintains ejection seat systems while the survival shop handles all parachute and life raft upkeep.

The renovation repurposes12,000 square feet of space and adds 1,500 square feet with the construction of a parachute drying tower and a fire pump room.

"This project showcases AFCEE's construction management expertise, specifically logistics capabilities," said Micah Shuler, acting AFCEE branch chief. "To accommodate for the new construction elements, demolition, site prep and remodeling activities required superior time management and planning."

Approximately 60 percent of the budget was dedicated to new construction.

The parachute drying tower stands 70 feet tall on top of a four-foot thick concrete foundation and is framed in solid steel. The tower will be used by the survival shop to support parachute shelf life, capable of hanging four parachutes at a time that are 45 feet long fully extended.

The fire pump room was a safety feature added to support sprinkler heads at the top of the tower.

In support of the egress mission, AFCEE engineers included a two-hour fire rated enclosure to house explosive cartridge activated devices and pressure activated devices used in the ejection seats.

The renovated space will include a sewing room and packing room for parachute maintenance, a floatation room with a dedicated ventilation system to aid life raft inspection and repair, a break room, a bathroom and office space.

"It was a privilege to contribute to this renovation project knowing that the new space will support Randolph's egress and survival shop mission, keeping pilots safe," said AFCEE project manager Don Johnston.

Construction on Bldg. 38 is on schedule and planners expect to occupants to move into the building next month.