Bigger, better facility for 2 SFS Airmen Published Feb. 16, 2011 By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Boutte 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Nearly 300 Air Force Global Strike Command 2nd Security Forces Airmen have been operating out of a 1930s vintage hangar for more than 11 years. A new 46,645 square-foot complex is in the works to accommodate an effective command and control center for all security operations, which is due for completion on April 15. The facility will comply with antiterrorism and force protection requirements and have an orderly flow and costly effective design. "The new complex will give our Airmen advanced individual training we previously never had at Barksdale," said Lt. Col. JonPaul Mickle, 2 SFS commander. "The complex will also ensure the capability of a command and control center in one central location." The Security Forces Complex project was generated in 1998 and finally broke ground in March 2010. The new $14.6 million facility is located strategically for response and accessibility on Lindbergh Avenue, north of the Eighth Air Force Museum. There will be four major sections in the SF Complex: the central core, which includes the emergency center; command and control, the command headquarters, operations section and logistics and training wing. The facility's detention area with medium and maximum jail cells will be located in the complex as well as the armory and the guard-mount room. The complex also includes an auditorium, training rooms, and 472 locker spaces for all security forces Airmen. The Pass and I.D. office will also be housed in the complex. "We will have the coordination and defense resources to better police Airman of Barksdale," Colonel Mickle said. The complex will incorporate more parking for security forces individuals and visitors and includes a vehicle wash rack for special- purpose vehicles and a perimeter security chain-link. There will be two access roads to Lindbergh Avenue, which allows for quicker response time to the Barksdale community. The collocation of SF functions will eliminate several days' preparation for deployment processing. Current mobility equipment is stored in three different areas, where it must be retrieved, built and transported. The new facility will allow all equipment to be under one roof and pallets can remain configured. Deploying unit members will also be able to complete out-processing functions in one location, said Mr. Christopher Bowman, 2 SFS chief plans and programs. "This is an outstanding facility for an absolutely awesome group of defenders," said Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Owens, 2 SFS first sergeant.