The Federal Fire Department held a blessing ceremony, Oct. 16, to celebrate the newly renovated Submarine Base Fire Station, Building 680, on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH).

"I am happy to announce the official reopening of Fire Station 2," said Fire Chief Gregg Moriguchi. "The facility was originally built in 1942. Over time the building fell into disrepair, eventually reaching the point of needing a serious renovation. In December 2014 personnel vacated the facility and construction began. Ten months later we were able to return to Bldg. 680."

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii awarded a $1.5 million contract to Nan Inc. Construction began Dec. 8, 2014, and work was completed Oct. 2.

Building 680 was in complete disrepair with peeling lead paint, a damaged roof, and termite eaten windows. Repairs included replacing the roof; installing new roof drains; moving the roof access ladder; installing a truck exhaust ventilation system; replacing all windows to their historically correct specifications; fully renovating the kitchen; installing an updated fire alarm system; and repainting the entire building inside and out. Bathrooms and showers were completely refurbished and finished ADA compliant.

During construction, all fire personnel were relocated to the JBPHH Grenfell Pool site and Building 1616. The old snack bar at the pool location was used for cooking. A stove was hooked up along with a kitchen sink and a washer and dryer. Dining was held in the outdoor gazebo. Building 1616, the old Tennis Pro Shop, was converted to a bunk house, and radios and phones were transferred there. The federal fire personnel settled in for the duration of the project and responded to all emergencies from this site.

The blessing ceremony was attended by numerous friends and Federal Fire Department personnel.

Building 680, or Station 2, is located on the Submarine Base portion of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and houses one fire truck and one ambulance, as well as 17 federal fire fighters.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.