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Arms across Bagram

  • Published
  • By TSgt Shawn McCowan
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN --  Several units with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing have worked for more than a year toward having a bigger, better, and safer armory. Their efforts finally paid off with the opening of the new facility, knick-named "ARMAG."

The current members of the wing recently took the final step in the program's teamwork, when about 50 wing members lined up to pass every of the nearly 1,000 weapons from the three older and smaller armories into the brand new building.

Major Spencer Van Meter, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, was happy to see this year-long plan come to fruition for his team for several reasons.

"All U.S. Air Force arms will now be kept in one hardened and secure facility, and near the fligh line, which makes sense. The poor armory folks have been working out of three small "Conex" boxes in 105 degree heat without air conditioning. Now they can work in a secure, comfortable, state-of-the-art facility," said Van Meter.

Planning, execution, and movement of the weapons was a team effort shared by the wing's Expeditionary Mission Support Group, and Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Expeditionary Civil Engineers, Expeditionary Security Forces and Communications. Once planning and equipment were accomplished, ECES poured the concrete pad and moved the armory into place.

TSgt Matthew Kostos, ELRS Armory NCOIC, said he was happy to see the move finally underway, for several reasons.

"We needed a place to consolidate weapons, and keep accountability for the weapons. This facility is very solid. Today's a great example of the work behind the scenes and seeing how we care," said Kostos.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have air conditioning, said Kostos.

Kostos said this better facility provided a Better place for he and his staff to serve the warriors of BAF.

The day after the weapons were delivered into the new facility, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.