By Joseph Bonfiglio, Honolulu District Public Affairs
A little over a year since a groundbreaking and site blessing, Wheeler Army Airfield’s newest barracks were celebrated with a topping-off ceremony, last Friday, after their roofs had been set in place.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District partnered with contractor Nan-Samsung LLC, the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, and the 25th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to celebrate the mid-point in constructing the two six-story barracks buildings, which are located south of the Wheeler airstrip and part of the overall CAB Complex.
“This is a significant construction milestone and these barracks are a great addition for the future Soldier population on Wheeler,” said Honolulu District Commander Lt. Col. Chris Crary. “These barracks are being built to the highest standard. Our construction partners have done an outstanding job in building this quality product - ahead of schedule.”
The barracks are scheduled to begin housing Soldiers in July 2017.
The partnering effort between the Corps of Engineers and Nan-Samsung LLC workers has kept the project progressing with no lost time accidents reported to date, according to PM Stan Sagum of Nan-Samsung LLC.
The new barracks will house unaccompanied enlisted Soldiers, two per shared unit, with two separate bedrooms, a shared bath, and kitchen.
Primary facilities include a central plant, antiterrorism measures, an Energy Monitoring Control System connection, and sustainability/energy measures. Supporting facilities will include site development, utilities and connections, lighting, paving, parking, walks, curbs and gutters, storm drainage, information systems, landscaping and signage. Air conditioning will be provided by a central plant.
The project is targeted for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. The Army uses LEED as a system to rate the green standards in construction.
The Honolulu District is committed to building and managing the construction of high quality projects which improve the quality of life for service members and their families and that provide jobs and money which stimulate the local economy.
The topping-off ceremony was also a thank-you celebration for the construction workers, the Honolulu District, the Garrison, and the CAB.
Release no. 16-08