New “gateway to Afghanistan” opens at Bagram

Published Aug. 31, 2011
By Staff Sgt. John Wright
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- A new 45,000-square foot passenger terminal opened here during a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 31, 2011, marking the launch of the new "Gateway to Afghanistan."

"Today we open a joint operations passenger terminal that integrates fixed wing and rotary wing operations," said Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and ceremony officiator. "This is a big deal for Afghanistan, and it's a big deal for Bagram."

The new passenger terminal, which opened ahead of time, is six times the size of the old 7,500-square foot passenger terminal and will have a throughput of approximately 1,400 people per day. It also boasts room for 1,250 people, more than quadrupling the 250-person capacity of the old terminal.

"This will enable even greater passenger movement more effectively throughout Afghanistan," Roberson said.

With the "busiest aerial port squadron in the Department of Defense" moving more than 500,000 people per year and the gradual drawdown of forces from the theater of operations, the new terminal is a welcome relief.

"This terminal will increase our efficiency and effectiveness," said Lt. Col. Daniel Lemon, 455 EAPS commander. "A terminal of this capacity and capability is an absolute necessity for fulfilling daily operations and supporting the gradual drawdown in Afghanistan."

Passengers traveling through Afghanistan will now be able to enjoy a "one stop shop" since the new terminal includes eight agencies that travelers may need to visit before leaving Bagram Airfield.

Agencies represented include the Army Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration office; Army Movement Control Battalion, Air Force Logistics Plans office, Air Force Personnel Support for Contingency Operations office, Rotary Wing office and passenger terminal operations. Additionally, liaison officers from the Army, Navy and Marines will be on hand to assist travelers.

"This will end up decreasing passenger processing time both into and out of the area of operations," Roberson said. "We're excited about what it's going to bring to the fight."

According to officials in attendance, partnership between the Air Force, Army and a civilian construction company was key to the project finishing on time.

"We finished this project on time but not without the help of the people who we are privileged to be sharing this moment with today," said Kevin Cullen, Yuksel Construction Company development manager for Afghanistan.

Army Lt. Col. Douglas Vanderhoof, Bagram Area Corps of Engineers officer in charge, lauded the contractor for their hard work, but also stressed the relationship between the Army and Air Force as paramount to a successful project.

"Finishing ahead of schedule is culmination of good partnership between everybody involved," Vanderhoof said. "We've established a very good working relationship with the Air Force. It's because of this relationship that we're able to get these projects done on time."

The good partnership will continue as these organizations are scheduled to complete a new cargo terminal within the coming months.