325th ACS celebrates new addition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Air Control Squadron unveiled its newest building, the Air Control Squadron Operations Training Complex, Jan. 26 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The plans for the new facility, which is approximately 36,000 square feet, were initiated back in 2004. However, it was not until 2007 when the push began.

"The project was forwarded to the Air Education and Training Command for consideration on April 5, 2007 at the request of the ACS to consolidate like functions of the ACS schoolhouse, and remove outdates and improperly sized facilities within the ACS complex," said 1st Lt. David Schoendardt, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy of project management section. "The design work began on December 11, 2008."

The first ground was broken in October of 2009, with the main focus being on creating an energy efficient structure.

"The building contains at least 33 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification points for Sustainable Design and currently estimating 56 points and pursuing LEED Silver Certification," said Lieutenant Schoendardt. "This improves the facility's environmental impact and reduces utility burden on the base."

The total cost for the project ran approximately $8.5 million. While being environmentally friendly, the facility also houses several new training areas.

"It combines two out of date existing buildings into one," said Captain Bryan Minatel, 325th Chief of current operations. "It houses five operations rooms used for live and simulation events, totaling 18 classrooms that will be used for briefings, lectures and debriefings. It has a 195-seat capacity auditorium that contains the latest in presentation equipment, as well as the capability to watch missions as they happen in almost real-time."

It also holds the offices of the director of operations and his staff, Weapons and Tactics, Intel, Current Operations, training, scheduling, Training and Development, small computers and our International students and cadre.

"The addition of the new building allows for much needed upgrades and room to grow," said Captain Minatel. "In turn, we are now able to produce a better product (Air Battle Managers) for the Air Force. Everyone in the squadron is excited to start working in the facility."