An original NAS Jacksonville aircraft hangar met its demise Aug. 24 following a brief ceremony. Hangar 113, which was constructed in 1941, was torn down due to its age, obstructing views of the airfield and outdated energy use.

"Hangar 113 and two other hangars are slated for demolition due to their age, excessive maintenance costs, and large energy consumption," said Public Works Department Officer Cmdr. Joel Van Essen.

According to base historian Ron Williamson, Stearman and NR-1 Ryan aircraft were maintained in Hangar 113. SNJ aircraft, used for intermediate pilot training were also housed in the hangar.

"After that it was used to support advanced fighter training through the end of World War II, including F4U Corsairs," said Williamson. Following the war, the hangar was used for Reserve units that moved from NAS Cecil Field.

The contract for demolition was awarded to Foresight Construction, a local contractor from Gainesville. The cost of the contract is $3.2 million.

"Foresight Construction Group is honored to be selected as the contractor for this historic project," said Juan Segarra, Foresight's president and CEO. "We are looking forward to delivering another successful project for NAVFAC at NAS Jax."

When the demolition of Hangar 113 is complete, Hangars 115 and then 114 will also be taken down. Hangar 114 was the first home of the Blue Angels in 1946. It was also the site of the first fatality on the base, when a contractor fell from support beams.

"This is a very solemn occasion for us to lose these historic hangars after so many years," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Howard Wanamaker. "We have removed some murals from the buildings so that they can be preserved."

The Jacksonville Museum of Science and History (MOSH) will be the keeper of historical artifacts removed from the hangars. After the buildings are removed, the space will be used as parking for the P-8A Poseidon. The project is expected to be completed spring 2016.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/.