New home for 2 SFS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Airmen from the 2nd Security Forces Squadron moved from Hangar 3 to their new 40,000 square foot Security Forces headquarters complex Sept. 22.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Pesson, 2 SFS, the move has been a long time coming.

"The new facility has been on the project books for the past 12 years," he said. "The construction for the new building began in February 2010."

The old 2 SFS facility was a renovated 1930's era hangar located on the flightline. Due to the hangar's location, the squadron was required to have a waiver for security forces personnel due to the potential risk of flightline related incidents.

"About six years ago, a flightline reduction plan was made to get non-essential personnel off of the flightline and out of the explosive arch," said Richard Parent, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron. "This is done to reduce the amount of casualties or injuries in the event a major incident occurs on the flightline."

The old facility was also very small and forced the large squadron to be split up around the base. However, the new building offers much more office space.

"The new facility consolidates security forces investigations, mobility, confinement, operations and administrative functions under one roof for the first time at Barksdale," said Christopher Bowman, 2 SFS chief of plans and programs.

Not only is there more space in the facility, but new equipment as well.

"The new building is energy efficient and has a new alarm system with motion detectors, electronic key access and an updated control center," said Pesson. "We also received a new $600,000 radio system with an 80 foot tower that gives us better reception around the base."

According to Bowman, the new facility benefits the entire base.

"The new facility has a workstation for the 2nd Medical Group ambulatory service, which will dramatically decrease response times to the housing areas on the East Reservation," he said.

Base officials have not decided yet if the old hangar will be renovated or demolished.

"Several options are being discussed by leadership right now," said Parent. "Demolishing and rebuilding is a possibility, but we are also looking at renovating the facility for the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron or expanding the fire station."

Security Forces Airmen are excited to get to work in the new facility, Pesson said.

"The Airmen understand that getting a new facility is a rare occurrence," he said. "They are all very proud, excited and dedicated to take care of their new facility."