A critical phase of ongoing major repairs to Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent (Pax) River's Trapnell Field - work at the intersection of runways 14-32 and 06-24 - was completed on time, avoiding further impact to fixed wing aircraft that had to relocate mission operations due to the closure of both main runways during the project.

"The work that occurred at the runway intersection was critical because, for a period of three weeks, Pax River was limited to rotary operations only," explained Lt. Melanie Grigsby, assistant Public Works officer. "Completing this phase of work on time was top priority to prevent further operational impacts to commands on base."

Scientific Development Squadron (VXS) 1 was one of a number of squadrons at Pax River affected by the intersection closure, and it was necessary for them to begin coordination in February with Naval Air Facility Washington to send all of their P-3 Orion aircraft to Andrews Air Force Base (AFB) during the shutdown.

"They were great folks to work with, but because of tighter security at Andrews, we had to jump through multiple hoops coordinating base and flight line access for our personnel," said Cmdr. Erik Kjellgren, operations officer for VXS-1 at the time. "We didn't want to permanently station people there, so every morning we flew we'd muster at Pax River and drive to Andrews. The maintenance crew of about 10 people went up first by van, followed by the flight crew -- usually 4-7 more."

The squadron was provided an empty hangar and had to supply what they needed to make things work in the facility.

"Plus, they were doing construction on their own flight line, so we had to juggle our airplanes around when that construction was being done," Kjellgren added. "They were great hosts, but it took a lot of coordination and we were glad to return to Pax when the runway reopened."

Work at the intersection included the installation of new edge and centerline lights, rubber removal at the ends of 6-24, and resurfacing the entire area with 2.5 inches of asphalt.

Project completion was nearly delayed due to the contractor, Great Mills Trading Post (GMTP), not being able to get Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) approval for the asphalt mixes needed to resurface the area because of issues meeting performance requirements within the specification.

"After a number of trial mixes -- more than 20 -- an asphalt mix design was completed that far exceeded NAVFAC's standard, resulting in a strong surface that could withstand the heavy loadings of aircraft while maintaining a smooth surface for years to come," Grigsby said. "This work effort was accomplished primarily by GMTP's asphalt supplier, C.A. Bean, along with NAVFAC's asphalt experts, JMT and RDM International."

Because of the delay in perfecting the final mix, GMTP personnel worked extended workdays, weekends and a holiday to meet the tight three-week deadline. Brian Dillow, construction technician with Public Works, ensured NAVFAC had construction oversight during this time by also sacrificing a holiday and weekends to get the job done.

"The work at 14-32 and 06-24 was successful because the government and contractor made a strong team," Grigsby stated. "For every problem we encountered, we put our heads together and worked out a solution. We didn't waste time pointing figures or blaming one another."

While work progressed on the intersection, airfield support personnel used the shutdown to take offline the eight E-28 arresting gear engines and perform major maintenance they had been unable to perform earlier in the year.

"We were able to coordinate part delivery, remove the engines from the field, and completely overhaul them," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Michael Waldrop. "For us, the intersection shutdown was most advantageous."

Waldrop also appreciated the work being done and said the repairs were necessary given the continued use of the runway over the years.

"Previous to the construction, countless hours were spent by the Airfield Facility Services Division collecting FOD (foreign object debris) and ensuring the centerline lights did not come loose and damage any aircraft," he said. "They're doing an awesome job on the project."

Although runway 06-24 is now open, runway 14-32 remains closed -- since December -- for resurfacing. It is expected to reopen at the end of October.

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