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819th GSS unveils new training facility

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Francis Lalic
  • 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  After being under construction for more than a year, members from the 819th Global Support Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 31 to commemorate the finalization of their new training facility. The new building is located in the CRW's Global Reach Deployment Center compound on Broidy Road.

"The new 819th GSS building is designed to house the command section of the 819th GSS and the 621st Contingency Response Wing's training functions," said Lt. Col. Michael Pratt, 819th GSS commander, who officiated the inauguration event.

"Although the building will be primarily used by the 819th GSS because they manage the wing's training functions, the building's primary purpose will be for training contingency response operations for the CRW's more than 600 personnel comprised of aerial port, aircraft maintenance, command and control, security forces, civil engineering, contracting, intelligence, weather, air traffic control, airfield operations, and several other specialties" the colonel added.

Colonel Pratt explained the importance of the new building, which features three classrooms that will be utilized for CRW Immersions Courses as well as ancillary and readiness training courses.

Col. Richard Anderson, 621st CRW vice commander, Col. Francis Cox, 621st Contingency Operations Support Group commander, and the designers of the building also attended the ceremony.

Two CRW dignitaries presented the "Key of Responsibility" to Colonel Pratt and the 246 men and women of the 819th GSS, which highlighted the day's events.

During Colonel Pratt's acceptance speech, the commander said he was very impressed with the building and acknowledged the people behind the construction.

The 305th Civil Engineer Squadron, along with an outside agency, began the construction in August 2007 to replace the old World War II vintage building.

The $3.8 million infrastructure project involved minor demolition, construction of additional square footage, civil infrastructure, general construction, fire detention and a communication system.

"All systems (we installed) are Energy Star systems," said Lora Lorenzo, 305th CES construction manager.

The building also has other improvements, including better landscaping, parking areas and roadway improvements.

The old building was reconfigured and redesigned since one-third of the building was originally built in the base flightline clear zone, according to Mr. Lorenzo.

"(We) changed the footprint to take a portion of the building out of the clear zone and put the additional square footage in front of the building," Mr. Lorenzo said. "The newly-designed building looks like the 'letter T' on the aerial view."

The additional 3,808 gross square foot extension space that was added in the façade of the building will accommodate a 100- person capacity auditorium and break room.

By the first week in December, 819th GSS personnel will officially utilize the newly-remodeled structure.

Master Sgt. Alton Prayer, 819th GSS acting first sergeant, said the new GSS facility is very nice and spacious.

"The (existing) building was pretty old and we needed a new, more modern facility," Sergeant Prayer said. "This building is definitely a step in the right direction for our squadron."

The 819th GSS, along with the 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, 1st Combat Camera and Air Mobility Liaison Officers were reassigned and realigned under the umbrella of the 621st COSG, which was activated in 2007.

"I think we have an outstanding group of individuals across the board -- we're very dedicated, we train hard, and we stay ready to deploy and accomplish the mission," Sergeant Prayer said. "Plus, we're led by an outstanding commander."

The 819th GSS provides combat ready command and control, aerial port, and maintenance capabilities to Air Mobility Command and stands ready for presentation to theater commanders in times of crisis within 12 hours of notification. Additionally, the 819th GSS commands and executes airlift support operations in remotely-deployed locations, Department of Defense exercises, and contingencies. The squadron also bestows load planning training and conducts airfield surveys to support Air Mobility Command's worldwide mobility operations.