Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a task order, totaling over $22 million, Aug. 23 to Environmental Chemical Corporation of Burlingame, California to repair Navy and Marine Corps facilities that were damaged in Key West when Hurricane Irma made landfall in September 2017.

The work to be performed provides for design and construction for Hurricane Irma repairs to 28 facilities located at three sites at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West (Boca Chica Key, Truman Annex, and Trumbo Point Annex).

“It’s been almost one year since Hurricane Irma hit the Keys and we have come a long way in getting the air station back to normal operations, thanks to NAVFAC,” said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker. “The speed at which our facilities have been restored and the plans for future restoration are both amazing and a testament to the hard work our facilities managers put in every day.”

Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Keys in September 2017 as a Category 4 hurricane, causing damage to the base, and repair and restoration efforts are still underway.

The first phase of repairs began late September 2017. Phase one involved removal of drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles and other items damaged by water intrusion caused by roof damage during Hurricane Irma. Dehumidifiers and other techniques were used to dry out water damaged areas and repairs were performed to prevent additional leaks and damages.

Work being conducted during this second phase of repairs includes any and all ancillary and incidental mechanical and electrical support services needed to accomplish required work including, but not limited to, disconnects, temporary reconnects, removals, extensions, modifications, alterations, reinstalls, new components, and permanent reconnects necessary for functional operation.

One of NAS Key West’s base tenant’s operational capabilities was affected because of water damage caused by Hurricane Irma. In order to prevent future operational disruptions from storm damage, a pre-engineered roof structure will be installed on top of the building’s original roof. This double roof will increase the integrity of the roof while allowing access to a walkable service area in order to maintain equipment and provide the ability to conduct future inspections.

Work is projected to be completed by February 2020.

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