CE improving Misawa, one project at a time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Patrick S. Ciccarone
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Fighter Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron is set to make major improvements to Misawa's quality of living over the next fiscal year.

With projects such as upgrading housing infrastructures, replacing elevators, repairing roads and fences and even expanding covered parking, the 35 CES is working hard to bring these changes to the base as quickly as possible.

"There's a huge amount of work going on in the housing department," said Capt. Chris Callaway, engineering flight commander. "We're working very diligently to make sure that we improve quality of life here."

The improvements that are in place were given priority by both Pacific Air Forces and Congress after budgeting was done to ensure these changes were financially feasible.

The 35 CES began the installation of air conditioning units base-wide, a project scheduled to be completed in July of 2015. With over 400 units projected to be installed over this next year, some Airmen and families will be able to beat the summer heat.

With the addition of air conditioning units, the electrical system on base needed upgrading, which resulted in a new substation under construction near the CE building.

"There is a lot of construction that will happen this summer as we run new electrical lines to replace the old ones," said Callaway. "The new substation ensures we have the capability to power all the new air conditioning units we're putting on the base."

The quickest impact for most residents will be the installation of fences and exterior storage facilities in housing areas, which have already started to take place, explained Kirk Schaumann, GS-12, 35 CES construction management chief.

Elevators in buildings 117, 212, 214, 220, 231, 1937, 1938 and 1939 are scheduled to be replaced starting in September and throughout the year, with renovations scheduled to take approximately three months per elevator, noted Callaway.

Housing infrastructures will be improved as well, including the replacement of waste and water lines, resulting in a freer flow of water for residents.

Covered parking is also a very big item on the 35 CES's to-do list because of Misawa's heavy snowfall during the winter season.

"Our covered parking project is a huge focus for us this year, with over two million dollars going toward the construction of these carports," said Callaway.

Although construction began last year, additional covered parking construction will be scheduled for town home buildings 44, 45, 47, 177-179, 184, 186, 189, 190 and 191.

With the numerous projects going on around the base, the 35 CES is working hard to improve Misawa for both current and future residents.

"These are a part of the 35th Fighter Wing Commander Colonel Williams' quality of life initiatives," expressed Callaway. "We are making a lot of improvements in hopes of making Misawa an assignment of choice."