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New complex offers state-of-the-art services

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tania Bryan
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen here will find welcome similarities to a few of their home station amenities with the opening of the new Blatchford-Preston Complex.
 
The base's newly opened facilities, including new dormitories and a stateof-the-art gym, raise the quality of life for all members across the installation according to Lt. Col. Donald Reese the 379th Mission Support Group deputy commander. 

While the official grand opening is still a few weeks away, the first residents moved into the new dorms this week and several facilities in the community center are now open for use. 

"The opening of the new facilities marks a significant transition here on base, as we continue to move from an expeditionary to enduring presence," said Col. Larry Martin, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. "The new complex is a tool that enhances the living conditions for the people deployed here so they can do their jobs better and sustain their effort for the long term." 

United States Central Command Air Forces began planning for the new complex in 2001 and construction began in October 2003 as a joint endeavor between the United States and the host nation. The complex is named for Master Sgt. Samuel Nathan Blatchford and General Maurice A. Preston, distinguished Airmen with strong ties to 379th Air Expeditionary Wing heritage. 

The planning and construction of the Blatchford-Preston Complex has been a phenomenal team effort, Col. Martin said. "While the majority of the work done here fell to our mission support group squadrons and our project managers, there were many, many agencies involved and we've had a great partnership with our hosts. It's exciting to see the facilities open." 

The complex consists of nine dormitories that will house approximately 1500 residents; a dining facility; a fitness center with a gymnasium, racquetball courts, cardio and weight rooms, six lane pool, and locker rooms; fire department, medical treatment facility, and community mall. The community mall facilities include a base exchange, recreation center, game room, theater, movie rooms, post office, and Learning Resource Center.