OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- As of mid-2023, the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) has around 70 base improvement projects in the works at Osan Air Base.
These projects aim to improve mission capabilities of the base and quality of life for its inhabitants.
Of these 70 projects, around 30 are currently underway with 40 coming in the near future. Some of the major projects include a new child development center (CDC), base chapel and Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppette and gas station.
“The new CDC will combine both the School Aged Care program and the current CDC,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Randall Howe, 51st CES chief of project management. “Right now, both facilities house around 100 between the two. With the new CDC, it's going to be able to hold nearly 300.”
Real estate is a hot commodity on Osan, so when planning projects it’s crucial to ensure buildings are convenient to reach and spatially efficient. Demolished buildings in busy areas without a current construction plan will become interim parking lots to help alleviate the high-parking demand on base.
“If it’s an area where parking is an issue, then why don't we put down gravel there and draw some lines?” said Howe. “You can see this by the air traffic control tower or the fire department. They have a gravel lot where a building was demolished and now has parking lines there.”
With summer and monsoon season approaching, other projects in focus are roofing upgrades and refurbishments, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning implementation and improvements.
“A lot of our roofs are getting out of shape and are past the point of repair and regular maintenance,” said Howe. “We need to just do a full-blown renovation on that roof. That includes all the gutters, systems, fully sealing the roof and giving it a new life.”
The squadron also has a few projects for those in military family housing such as new playgrounds, elevators and lighting upgrades.
“The transition from old to new can be difficult, because it almost feels like you’re getting less in the meantime when things are restricted or access might be different,” said Howe. “Sometimes we have to shut things down in order to bring the new one online. I really want to thank everybody for their patience and understanding during these changes.”
Under the squadrons' care, our base will continue to improve and stay ready to fight tonight because they do what is necessary to…MAKE IT HAPPEN!