LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Lackland's base entry controllers will soon have considerable protection against sun, wind and rain at several gates on base.
The 37th Civil Engineer Squadron will oversee construction of shades at Airman's Gate, Gateway East Gate and Selfridge East Gate.
According to 1st Lt. Natalie Ferson, 37th Civil Engineer Squadron, the construction of these shades is the result of a survey carried out by the squadron in late May and early June. The survey focused on determining the feasibility of assembling shades at eight gates identified as a priority by the security forces.
As there was only funding for construction at three gates, Airman's Gate, Gateway East Gate and Selfridge Gate were selected.
The 37th CES began digging the footers for the shades this week. Lieutenant Ferson mentioned that this part of the project had to be undertaken very carefully due to the presence of water, communication lines and sewer lines that follow the path of the roads at Lackland.
"We had to make sure we didn't hit anything," she said. "That's the last thing we want to do."
She added that the guards at Lackland are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the project. The guards have helped identify gate locations for the project's planners and stopped traffic for engineers carrying out surveys at the building locations.
"They cannot wait for the shades to be installed," said Lieutenant Ferson.
She added that further work at the sites of the three shades will cause some traffic delays, specifically in three to four weeks as the rest of the structures are built.
Both inbound lanes will be shut down at the gates to allow construction work. According to Lieutenant Ferson, the public will be notified through a base-wide e-mail.
"We really respect people's patience with this," she said. "We're going to get it done as soon as possible. For what it's going to give the guards that have to be out there all the time, it's definitely worth it."
According to Lieutenant Ferson, the structures will be finished at a total price of $130,000.
This includes the cost of digging, debris hauling and pouring concrete.
She also expected positive feedback to the shades from the guards at each location.
"I just know we're going to have some very happy guards," she said.