JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast has awarded a $10.4 million contract to Drace Anderson Joint Venture. The Gulfport, Miss.-based business will build a T-6B Texan II Joint Primary Aircraft Training System, training operations facility, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
The contract calls for construction of a two-story training operations facility with a steel frame, reinforced concrete masonry, standing seam metal roofing system, and spread footing foundation.
The hangar will be built on the flight line. The facility will include classrooms, administration space, ready-rooms, electronic briefing space, personnel support space, storage, reproduction areas, a library, food storage and prep area, student activity space and additional space in support of the T6-B training curriculum.
The project will provide Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection features such as mass notifications systems, laminated windows, blast resistant window and door frames and emergency lighting and signage are parts of the project.
“This facility will not only enhance the training capability of Training Air Wing FIVE, but will significantly improve the efficiency which the Wing and the three primary training squadrons operate on a daily basis,” Capt. Mark Murray, Training Air Wing FIVE Commodore, said. “Currently, the three squadrons operate in very small, separate and inefficient buildings.”
The existing hangar space, Building 2941 and Squadron Facility Building 2973, will be renovated to serve as temporary facilities for squadron personnel until new construction is complete. Demolition of existing buildings is also included in the task order.
The contract calls for construction of parking areas, site prep, and storm water and utility construction. Funding for a pavilion; furniture, fixtures and equipment is also included in the award. An option, if exercised, provides for the installation of an access control system.
The work is expected to be completed by March 2018.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: New naval training facility to be built in Milton