Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas engineers and planners entered the design phase on a project to construct an aircraft maintenance hangar for the Guam Army National Guard (GUARNG) Nov. 10, following a Nov. 3 groundbreaking ceremony in Barrigada, Guam.

A $2 million contract was awarded to APC Construction LLC in September for design and construction of the hangar. Part and parcel to the initial phase is a thorough review of conceptual designs and pre-construction submittals.

"This is where we identify areas of concern that could create problems in construction," said NAVFAC Marianas Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division (FEAD) director Lt. Cmdr. Henry Suter III. "This thorough review ensures that when we have a finished product it will meet all intended needs of the supported command, while maintaining schedules and budgets."

During the groundbreaking ceremony, NAVFAC Marianas Commanding Officer Capt. Stephanie Jones said this project was possible through teamwork between the Navy and the Guam National Guard.

"We worked very hard together as a collaborative team," said Jones. "I see collaboration when I look across this entire compound -- the kind of collaboration that gets you a well-planned, well-executed effort between partners."

After expected completion in summer 2017, the hangar will be home to two UH-72 Lakota helicopters, the newest additions to the GUARNG's search and rescue assets to support its ever-increasing mission and role in the region.

According to the GUARNG, the facility is vital to support and enhance aviation operational capabilities, increase readiness for search and rescue missions, and improve response times in regional security and natural disasters for Guam and the Marianas.

"The mission of the aviation unit is to provide aerial, medical advanced evacuation in search and rescue operations in support of homeland security and defense," said Guam National Guard Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Roderick Leon Guerrero. "This facility will improve aviation operations and empower our Soldiers to efficiently improve their skills."

The project will include a typhoon-rated facility dedicated for storage and maintenance of the UH-72 Lakota helicopters. It will also enable aircraft maintenance with a helipad and ramp, utility services, information systems, alarm systems, roads, walkways, gutters, storm drainage, and a parking area.

Leon Guerrero thanked NAVFAC Marianas for its continued partnership and said he looks forward to completion.

"Thank you for taking on this challenge and ensuring the contract was awarded," said Leon Guerrero. "Our construction projects would not be realized without your hard work and expertise."

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