Maryland Air National Guard breaks ground on new facility
By 2nd Lt. Jessica Donnelly, 175th Wing
/ Published October 09, 2012
Baltimore --
With a toss of dirt from a gilded shovel, the Maryland Air National Guard officially kicked-off the construction of the new wing headquarters, operations, medical and training facility, Oct. 2, at the Warfield Air National Guard Base in Middle River, Md.
The groundbreaking ceremony recognized the 31,500 square-foot building that will consolidate the location of the 175th Wing Headquarters personnel, Mission Support Group and the Medical Group. The facility will give the Airmen an energy-efficient work space that, with its multiple green roofs and numerous other energy enhancements, is expected to achieve certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver status upon its completion.
"We'll have what we need to be good stewards of the community and the environment," said Brig. Gen. Allyson Solomon, assistant adjutant general - Air.
The new building will offer more office space, medical and dental examination and treatment spaces, classrooms, administration space, a command section, conference rooms, and a telephone switching/data automation center.
Brig. Gen. Scott Kelly, 175th Wing commander, explained that the old buildings were costly to maintain, and the new building will bring technology and a better work environment to the Airmen that will not only be an improvement for training, but also for morale.
"We're really looking forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony when it's complete," added Kelly.
The anticipated completion of the facility is June 2014.
"Let the work begin!" exclaimed Solomon.