A Fresh start for Base Ops

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot Air Force Base leadership, including congressional and civic leaders celebrated the opening of the Department of Defense's newest Base Operations Building and Air Traffic Control Tower with a ribbon cutting ceremony here, Aug. 23.

The previous Air Traffic Control Tower was first built in 1966, while the Base Operations Building was built in 1957.

Special guests at the ceremony included North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, as well as Congressman Kevin Cramer. The dignified guests spoke to the crowd about the importance of the new facilities.

Hoeven explained how these new facilities are crucial to Minot AFB's mission.

"It is important that Minot AFB remains a vital, robust, well-funded, and well-established part our military for generations to come," said Hoeven.

Hoeven was one of several Senators during 2011 pushing for appropriations in the legislature for funding of new construction on base.

Heitkamp followed by stating the need to continue the ongoing support of Minot AFB's dual-wing mission, which she called the "second most powerful on Earth."

Speaking to Minot AFB leadership, Heitkamp explained the mission could not be completed using outdated facilities and equipment, or without the proper tools.

Although the construction impacts the base positively as a whole, no one has come to appreciate the new facilities more than the Airmen that work there. Michael Porreca, 5th Operation Support Squadron, ATC controller in charge, has worked in the tower for more than 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force, he was hired on as a civilian, and says he is thrilled for the opportunity to work in the new facility.

"The old tower was beyond its years," said Porreca. "It was time for a new facility."

The upgrade on the tower has been a long time coming. An original quality survey was taken in 1997, and has been in the works since then. However, construction finally began in the spring of 2012.

There are various upgrades to both the control tower and operations building.

The new tower is almost twice as spacious as its predecessor, capable of holding between 10 to 15 crew members, compared to the five in the old tower.

"Visibility is almost 10-times better," said Porreca.

The new facility also has designated training areas, so Airmen don't have to leave the facility for training exercises and briefings.

The new Base Operations Building added designated training space and classrooms, as well as conference rooms and flight planning rooms, all crucial elements for completing the mission.

However, even with all the updated equipment and living space, the greatest feature of these new facilities may be the positive effect on the morale of Airmen.

Porreca explained how a dilapidated workplace had a negative effect on the Airmen who worked there. However, the brand new facility will instill a sense of pride in their job.

"Now we have pride," said Porreca. "This is our brand new facility, and it is a fresh start."