Civil Engineers efforts extend life of Hangar 2

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  
The 6th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is currently performing reconstruction to extend the lifespan of Hangar 2 here at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Reconstruction began Aug. 8, 2016, and is scheduled for completion April 3, 2017.

The existing galbestos siding is being removed and replaced with new metal siding. The existing siding has a coating of lead-based paint over asbestos insulation and requires great care in removal. The windows are being replaced with modern blast-resistant windows. The hangar will be painted on all sides to match the base colors. A new lightning protection system will be provided and certified to meet NFPA 780 UL lighting system standards.

“The presence of asbestos and lead-based paint on the siding made repairs difficult and costly,” explained Louis Lantner, flight chief of engineering assigned to the 6th CES. “The new panels and windows are made to modern standards for blast resistance and hurricane force winds. This new siding will offer more protection and improve base appearance.”

During construction periods, aircraft are removed from the hangars. The hangar bay is being used to store materials, such as the new windows and siding.

There has been great care to protect the historical value of the hangars. Hangars 1 and 3 have been updated recently. Hangar 4 is an awarded project due to start construction in June 2017 and completed in March 2018.