2 CES helps improve Barksdale

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2 Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Team Barksdale has gone through a lot of changes and construction as the 68-year-old base's populous grows. What was once a small airfield has now grown to more than 16,000 community members. With the growing population, the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron is planning more projects to help improve Barksdale.

"The project CE is currently focused on is the West Gate canopy," said Nathan Tracer, 2 CES architect.

It will have a primarily neo-classical design that plays off of the Beaux-Arts, he added.  It has classical architecture elements that play off of the other elements on base.

Construction is estimated to begin in the spring and will cost approximately $415,000.

The canopy construction will have major affects on inbound and outbound traffic, but the 2nd Security Forces Squadron and 2 CES have been working closely to establish an alternate route during the developing process.

"Unfortunately this project will cause frustration as we all deal with the traffic hindrances created by the construction process," said 2nd Lt. Cameron Bowsky, 2 CES Construction Management supervisor.

"The West Gate canopy will not only offer a more professional look that this base deserves, but it will also provide much needed protection from the weather elements to our hard-working security forces personnel, who have been subjected to hours in the sun or rain throughout their shifts," he added.

In addition to the canopy, 2 CES plans to build a new 2 Mission Support Group complex once funding has been released.

"The MSG complex will create a permanent solution to our growing personnel requirements as we continue our transition into a command-level base," said Bowsky. "It will also save a significant sum of money that is annually shelled out to rent and maintain the temporary trailers that currently house our MSG staff."

Although the construction means big changes on Barksdale, it may be some time before the projects are complete.

2 CES Airmen work very closely with all of their projects. Their responsibilities range from providing technical expertise throughout the project's life-cycle to helping inspect the final product before the structure or renovation is officially handed over to be capitalized by 2 CES and occupied by the tenant, said Bowsky.

With more than 100 projects, 2 CES ensures Barksdale will continue to grow and develop with the expanding population.