MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Aircraft noise on the flight line aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., is not the only thing heard across the air station. Construction on a new MV-22B "Osprey" hangar, an addition to an existing CH-53E "Super Stallion" hangar and work on taxi ways and aircraft parking areas, known as aprons, are all underway.
With an influx of Ospreys in 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's future, a new Osprey hangar is currently undergoing construction to extend the air station's flight line in preparation for the inbound aircraft.
The Marine Corps brings new capabilities with the [MV-22], it really is a game changer, but with it, the air station needs the infrastructure as well, explained Col. John Farnam, the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar. The hangar is changing the face of the flight line and giving Marines the capabilities they need to operate out of Miramar.
"Look at the big picture for our combat readiness: the MV-22 aircraft being housed here expanded the operational reach of the Marine Corps by 60 percent when compared to our other rotary wing assets," said Brig. Gen. Vincent Coglianese, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West. "They have a heavier payload and carry our Marines from over the horizon deep into the fight."
Working to build these facilities are Marines, Naval engineers and civilian contractors. The projects support a projected 800 jobs for construction and skilled labor workers throughout the building process. With the cooperation of service members and civilian contractors, the hangars, taxi ways and aprons are scheduled to be in use by October 2013.
"It's big, visible progress," said Coglianese. "This is one more example of our installations keeping Marines ready to deploy, while improving energy efficiency and sustainability."
The project is planned to be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Gold Certified, explained Nick Trammer, the Hensel Phelps project manager for these projects. Some of the most sustainable features include: 1.3 million square feet of recycled concrete and asphalt, which generated 73,000 tons of aggregate used in the base support of the new high temperature concrete apron. Also, solar photovoltaic panels will be assembled on the rooftops and over parking areas to provide a 580 kW/AC renewable energy source.
The Osprey hangar is on schedule for completion before the end of next year. The Super Stallion hangar, apron and taxi way projects are approximately one year ahead of schedule, which will also allow for their completion before the end of 2013.