National Guard getting helicopter facility at Whiteman AFB
Aug 26, 2008, 2:09 PM
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- The Missouri National Guard broke ground
Monday, to signify the start of the Army aviation
support facility, which will house eight A-H 64 Apache helicopters.
"This has been a dream long time coming," said Maj. Gen. King E. Sidwell,
adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "We have had some very
expensive aircraft sitting out in the elements."
Whiteman Air Force Base's newest facility will consist of a
109,691-square-foot masonry and steel building with a standing-seam pitched
metal roof, located off Arnold Avenue, adjacent to the post's flight line.
Capt. Jamie Melchert, said the Army Aviation Support Facility at Whiteman was
established in 1973 at the Sky Haven Airport in Warrensburg. Individuals
worked out of two World War II-era hangars until 1977, when the new hangar and
operations building were built at Whiteman.
The new facility will include an eight-bay aircraft maintenance hangar,
allied trades support shops, general administration space and logistical
support space. Supporting facilities include a controlled waste handling
facility, flammable storage building, aircraft parking and taxiway, parking,
exterior lighting, fire protection and security fencing.
"This is a very exciting day for the Missouri National Guard," Sidwell said.
He commented on the great partnership that has developed with the Air Force
on Whiteman. When a B-2 Bomber bay is vacant, they have been allowing the Army
to house their Apache helicopters.
Additional phases for the facility will add an aircraft storage facility,
ground support equipment storage, an aircraft wash facility and loading dock.
