Six-million dollar building

  • Published
  • By Maj Nancie Margetis
  • 183rd FW Public Affairs
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Illinois --  Seven distinguished "ribbon cutters" officially opened the facility in a ribbon cutting ceremony here, June 4. The "old hangar," as it was affectionately referred to, is now a state-of-the-art centralized repair facility for General Electric F-16 jet engine repair.

The 1950 original aircraft hangar was the unit's first permanent building, thus the designation, P1 or permanent one. It is now 61 years young. The design team of Hansen Engineering and the exceptional attention to detail by the general contractor, Reliable Contracting Group and its subcontractors brought the facility up to present day working standards and codes.

Extensive work was accomplished on the electrical system, data transmission systems, lighting systems, security systems, HVAC systems, the building's thermal insulation, the external roof, and much more. Over 57,500 square feet were upgraded to include 16,000 sq. ft. in computer training lab and office space. Upgrades included new engine hoists, rooftop air handlers, infrared heaters, communication and wet-pipe fire suppression system.

The centralized repair facility, or CRF, began their engine repair mission in 2005, as a result of the base realignment and closure process. Engine personnel, part of the Maintenance Squadron, began moving in to the renovated facility in January of this year. However, the final touches on the building are still ongoing. They have continued to overhaul engines throughout the process.

During the ceremony, Colonel Michael Meyer, Commander, 183d Fighter Wing, commented about the engine facility and the personnel responsible for making it happen. "I would be remiss if I did not give most of the credit to those who are responsible for us being here today. They are the past and present maintenance personnel of the 183rd. They were the ones, decades ago, who proposed that the 183rd could provide centralized repair capability for the Air National Guard jet engines."

The specially designed renovation project not only modernized an existing base structure, but will greatly enhance the capability of our maintenance personnel to provide quality General Electric engines for Air National Guard and Air Force F-16 aircraft.