Misawa, Japan

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander and the Misawa Mayor Kazumasa Taneichi, drive through the newly constructed main gate being the first people to enter and have their Ids checked by A1C Nicolas Gonzalez, 35th Security Forces squadron on Dec. 16, 2008. The new main gate was designed to help the flow of traffic by having three lanes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Misawa, Japan

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander and the CEOs of the two contracting companies, cut the ribbon during the main gate opening ceremony on, Dec. 16, 2008. The main gate had been closed for nine months while under construction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chad Strohmeyer)

Main Gate Grand Opening

Main gate reopens

Published Dec. 18, 2008
By Master Sgt. Allison Day
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- After nine months of construction, the face of Misawa's main gate was revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by Col. David Stilwell, 35th Fighter Wing commander and attended by the mayor of Misawa City, community and base leaders on Tuesday at 11 a.m.

"The new gate provides a safer work environment through its engineering design," said Capt. Jeffery Day, 35th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. "The roads are built to encourage drivers to slow down and the gate booths are constructed to provide protection from vehicles entering the installation."

The construction included five phases and cost approximately $2 million according to Maj. Gregory Reich, Programs Flight commander from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"The earlier phase of the gate project included the installation of a new canopy and booths to help protect our security forces Airmen from the elements," said Major Reich. "Bollards and lanes to allow vehicles to be turned away or searched and a railing between the sidewalk and the roadway were part of a phase that increased force protection measures."

Another phase of the project was the creation of a grass park area at the intersection of the road leading to the gate and the main intersection, added Major Reich.

"The contractor could not have finished the project without the coordination of the 35th Contracting Squadron, the 35th SFS, local police, Misawa City and Tohoku Electric Power Company, which assisted with power pole relocations," said Major Reich. "Also, Japanese National engineers from Pavement and the Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Resources sections were vital to the success of the project."

The combined efforts of all the agencies involved are a vast improvement both cosmetically and operationally, according to Major Reich.

"The new construction provides a smooth entry to our installation," said Captain Day. "It's a look we can be proud of."