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Base theater undergoes major renovations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Servicemembers lined up outside the base theater here in anticipation of its grand opening celebration March 12 after undergoing major renovations over the last six months.

The renovations, which resulted in the theater's ability to show first-run 35 mm movies, included installing a new projector with projection room, screen, surround sound system and concession stand.

"This has been a wing priority project from the beginning with a great deal of support from wing leadership," said Col. Richard McComb, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group. "A significant portion of the EMSG had a hand in making 35 mm first-run movies here a reality. The 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron did all the planning and coordination with AAFES. The 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron did the construction. The 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron did the communications wiring and CCTV placement; and the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron ensured the specially-built movie screen got shipped here in time."

"The entire 386th EMSG team is very proud of the work it's been able to accomplish and of the legacy it will leave behind with the completion of this project," he said. "We're also very thankful for the support AAFES has given this project from start to finish."

The 386th EFSS and AAFES hosted a festive grand opening celebration for the base populace with free popcorn and pizza for all ticket holders as well as movie trivia with candy giveaways and door prizes. The wing commander then called each group of participants who had a hand in bringing the theater's new capabilities to fruition on stage for a round of applause.

After an official ribbon cutting, base members enjoyed the theater debut of the latest Martin Scorsese film "Shutter Island."

"The hard work that went into enhancing our theater is beyond measuring," said Senior Master Sgt. Gilbert Edwards, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety. " I appreciate the efforts of those individuals recognized by Colonel Gordy. In comparison, our new theater system is leaps and bounds better than the dated system it replaced. To see first run movies in quality... picture and surround sound has definitely increased our quality of life."

To see the current movie schedule, check the daily RAD e-mail or visit the Flex.