MSA expansion supports future operations

Maj. Jay Bertsch, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commander, Brig. Gen. Roger H. Watkins, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 379th AEW command chief, cut an arming wire representing the formal opening of the consolidated munitions administration building at Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Mar. 31, 2014. The west munitions storage area expansion project is a $55.4 million project that began in Jan. 2011 and was recently completed, increasing operational and safety efficiencies that allows multiple organizations to work in one facility. Bertsch is serving a one year assignment and is a Lena, Ill., native. Watkins is assigned here and hails from Fort Worth, Texas. Wicks is assigned here and a Kinston, N.C., native. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. David Miller)

MSA expansion supports future operations

Published April 4, 2014
By Master Sgt. David Miller
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing held a ceremony at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Mar. 31, 2104, to formally open the consolidated munitions administration building and celebrate the completion of the west munitions storage area expansion project.

The west munitions storage area expansion is a $55.4 million project which broke ground in Jan. 2011 and was recently completed. The expansion provides a location for military and civilians from multiple organizations to work together more efficiently and safer than ever before.

During opening remarks by Maj. Jay Bertsch, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commander, he highlighted the 379th AEW's history and why this construction project is rooted in the past and how it will enhance future endeavors.

"Among its many distinctions, the 379th Bomb Group was awarded the unprecedented 8th Air Force Operational Grand Slam for operations during May 1944 in recognition of having the best bombing accuracy, greatest tonnage of bombs dropped on target, largest number of aircraft attacking and lowest mission-abort rate," said Bertsch who is serving on a one year assignment and hails from Lena, Ill.

As the only unit ever recognized in this manner, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing still proudly uses the moniker of "The Grand Slam Wing" today.

"Best bombing accuracy, greatest tonnage of bombs, ladies and gentlemen, that capability begins right here in the MSA," said Bertsch. "This expansion provides additional area to support future enduring mission capabilities."

After Bertsch's remarks, Brig. Gen. Roger H. Watkins, 379th AEW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 379th AEW command chief, joined Bertsch in cutting the arming wire that symbolized the formal opening of the facility and the area.

"Let us not forget however, it is only accomplished through, and because of, the dedicated Airmen and civilians who work within the wire surrounding this complex," said Bertsch. "Those who excel to such high standards and performance deserve to be housed in facilities of the same stature."