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| Wilson Says $9.2 Million for KAFB Makes Base Stronger in BRAC Round |
March 04, 2005 |
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Military Construction Funds to Help Maintain Aircraft
Albuquerque, NM – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today joined with Kirtland Air Force Base officials to announce nearly $10 million in federal funds for a corrosion control facility on the base.
The 38,000 square foot facility, scheduled to break ground early next year, will help control rusting on the aircraft that operates out of Kirtland Air Force Base. Currently, maintenance personnel can perform corrosion control on Air Force planes 180 days or less a year. The new facility, with climate control, will allow work 365 days a year.
“The 58th Special Operations Wing appreciates Congresswoman Wilson`s support in securing the corrosion control facility. This facility significantly enhances our maintenance and operational capabilities, allowing the 58 SOW to send combat aircrews to the field in a more timely manner,” said Col. Eric Fiel, commander, 58th Special Operations Wing.
“Kirtland is important to Albuquerque’s economy, and to our national defense,” says Wilson. “Congress has repeatedly invested in military construction at Kirtland that creates jobs and keeps the base in good shape. When the Pentagon makes recommendations about what real estate to keep and what to close, we want Kirtland to be a ‘keeper.’”
The co-location of the corrosion control and composite repair sections represents a significant increase in efficiency, saving hundreds of man-hours per year on transporting parts and reducing damage during transport. The new facility will also centralize and decrease waste streams and diminish the need for moving chemicals between facilities, and will allow for painting of smaller aircraft parts.
The new building will allow for optimal and efficient painting conditions for aircraft, with no dust clinging to curing paint, as well as diminishing the environmental impact of paint dispersal into the atmosphere.
Currently, painting of wing aircraft occurs outdoors. Once the facility is complete, Wing maintenance personnel will be able to work more efficiently, with the facility providing enhanced protection from unfavorable weather conditions.
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