NAVFAC, small business build energy-efficient reserve center for Marines

  • Published
  • By Bill Couch
  • Facilities Engineering Command Midwest Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Representatives from the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, and a local small business officially opened a new home for a Marine reserve unit here June 18.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Midwest partnered with Dayton-based Butt Construction in 2009 to build a $10-million reserve center and vehicle maintenance facility for the 180 Marines of Military Police Company "C," Marine Logistics Group, who deploy to perform security and military law enforcement duties around the world.

"For the Marines of Dayton, this is a monumental day," said Marine Capt. Jason Schrage, Inspector Instructor of Military Police Company "C." "Today we can move into this beautiful new facility of our own--no more hand-me-downs from the Navy," he joked.

The new reserve center replaces the Marines' previous home, a deteriorating 1950s-era building located in a high-crime area of Dayton. Having the facility within the fenced secure perimeter of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will support the unit's ability to retain and train its members for deployment.

The building is designed to be durable, energy-efficient and sustainable, meeting at least the "silver" standard under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

"Whether it's in a combat zone overseas, or on the ocean shores of the U.S., or here in the heartland of America, we take great pride in ensuring our warfighters have high-quality, sustainable facilities that are mission-effective and cost-efficient," said Jerry Cencula, deputy public works officer for NAVFAC Midwest's Public Works Department Central. "Marines, I hope you enjoy your new home."

"I have a deep respect for the Marines and for the mission you have to go forward and do," said Air Force Col. Bradley Spacy, former commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. "We're happy now to give you a good place to come back to."

Contracting activity NAVFAC Midwest, civil engineers from the 88th Air Base Wing, the Marine Forces Reserve Facilities, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teamed with Butt Construction to build the new facility, which was completed ahead of schedule and on budget.

NAVFAC Midwest provides civil engineering, public works, and environmental support to Navy, Marine Corps and other Department of Defense activities across the 16 states that comprise Navy Region Midwest. The command's 900 professionals include civilian architects, engineers, acquisition specialists, environmental specialists, public works trades people, and administrative personnel, as well as active-duty Civil Engineer Corps officers, Seabees, and Reservists.