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MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Cpl. Joseph Stabile paints a wall during renovations to the Marine Transport Squadron 1 hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 24, 2014. The Marines of VMR-1 pitched in to assist with recent renovations to the aging structure, improving their working conditions, increasing energy efficiency and saving tens of thousands of dollars in the process. Stabile is an avionics technician with VMR-1 and native of Perth Amboy, N.J.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Neysa Huertas

Roadrunners help restore hangar, increase energy efficiency

2 Dec 2014 | Lance Cpl. Neysa Huertas Quinones Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Marines with Marine Transport Squadron 1 put in months to help restore their nearly 75-year-old hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Nov. 24, 2014.

Over the past three months, the Marines’ involvement in the renovations to the hangar has dramatically decreased the total cost of restoration, said Kevin Vann, an engineering technician with the Public Works Department here.

According to Vann, the current re-painting of the hangar that is being completed by the Marines would have cost approximately $70,000-75,000 using contractor services. The squadron personnel’s hard work will allow that money to be used in future restoration projects.

“It was important to make the renovations,” said Lt. Col. Marty Bedell, commanding officer of VMR-1. “Making a more professional work environment leads to a professional culture."

After the painting phase is complete, the hangar will undergo more repairs along with new carpet and furniture to allow the building that was constructed in the 1940s to have a more modern, 21st-century look.

The hangar had energy efficient windows installed by contractors, which will help save money by using less energy to keep the hangar cool in the summer and warm in the winter, said Vann.

Repairs to the roof will also prevent future water damage to the aircraft housed in the hangar.

“This project is going to pay for itself,” said Vann. “The energy efficient windows being installed and roof repairs will help prevent future damage and save money over time.”

According to Mike McGee, a facilities manager with the Public Works Department, repairs are being made to many of the older buildings on the air station in order to maximize their lifespan. This eliminates the need to tear down and completely rebuild structures.

“It is really good to see leadership involved in these projects, continuously encouraging the involvement of their Marines,” said McGee.

The Marines of VMR-1 were eager to partake in the project to better their facilities with repairs they wanted for months, but did not have the resources to complete until now, said McGee. 

According to Bedell, the renovation of the squadron is beneficial for both unit morale and the maintenance of the building.

“It is the mindset that the Marines maintain that has made this renovation run as smoothly as it has,” said Bedell, a native of Lexington, Va. “They have pride in the place where they work and know how to come together as a team to complete the task at hand. They have initiative, discipline, and always follow through. It is about what we can do for ourselves and the people who are willing to help us.”
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point