Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a nearly $10.6 million contract, Aug. 30, to Desbuild Inc. of Hyattsville, Maryland, for upgrades to Hangar 124 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

"Upgrading our infrastructures is one of our major focus areas," said Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) Commanding Officer, Capt. Trent DeMoss. "The renovation of Hangar 124 will help us carry out our mission of repairing, maintaining and overhauling military aircraft in a safer, more capable and efficient environment."

Constructed in 1941, Hangar 124 is a vintage seaplane hangar located in the Seaplane Historic District of NAS Jacksonville that is currently used for depot-level maintenance and to provide repair services for various aircraft, engines, and components.

The renovation project at Hangar 124 will provide additional capabilities to support FRCSE's mission to ready the fleet while providing critical repairs to an aging World War II-era facility. Upgrades consist of adding an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) fire suppression and recovery system, replacing the hangar doors and windows, and rehabilitating office spaces throughout the hangar.

"By adding an AFFF system to the production space, FRCSE will now be able to work on fueled, unpurged aircraft," said Lt. Matthew Ward, NAS Jacksonville assistant public works officer. "While retaining the historical aesthetic and value of the facility, repairs to the hangar bay doors and windows will address many maintenance issues."

Additional improvements include repairs to the fire suppression and alarm systems, lightning protection system, and other incidental work. Existing electrical and ground utilities will be repaired and lead based paint found during repair work will be removed. Betterments will be made to finishes on the west and east side second floor offices, including new flooring, ceiling tiles, and paint.

The project is expected to be completed by October 2018.

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