AF Civil Engineer reviews Osan dorms, infrastructure

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Air Force Civil Engineer toured four Osan Air Base dormitories July 9, to review more than $10 million of construction and renovations improving the quality of life for unaccompanied Airmen.

Maj Gen. Timothy A. Byers made Osan his first stop on a five-base, PACAF tour, and he was given a glimpse of the 46 dormitories here by showing him the past, present and future of living conditions provided by funds designated by Air Staff civil engineers.

After examining the newest dorm, Bldg. 1472, the general walked through the renovation site in Bldg. 707 - a facility built in 1987 undergoing a $3-million facelift. This project is paid for by Dorm Focus, a pot of money separate from military construction funds.

"For using Dorm Focus funds, this is the right way to do it," Byers said, while standing in a gutted two-room suite, destined to house junior NCOs. "(When finished) this building will last another 20 years."

Guided by Capt. Michael J. McCourt and Master Sgt. Cedrick L. Tanner, both assigned to the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron, the general walked through living conditions in Bldg. 718, which completed a similar renovation in February. These two-room suites feature new furniture and a set-up akin to those occupied by unaccompanied senior NCOs, minus the cooking appliances.

Their final visit was to Bldg. 477, a 98-resident dormitory built in 1985, which is unimproved from its original state.

Byers was accompanied by Col. John R. Lohr, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Installations and Mission Support deputy director.

The Air Force's top civil engineer was also shown infrastructure projects at the 51st Maintenance Squadron's corrosion control facility, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron's aircraft parts store, and Osan flightline.

Byers is responsible for installation support functions at 166 Air Force bases and oversees an annual budget of $12 billion. He averages two base visits a month for first-hand looks at living and working conditions at Air Force bases worldwide.