Dobbins commemorates new beacon of modernization Published Aug. 11, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Smith 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The red ribbon adorned the entrance of the newly-constructed air traffic control tower to celebrate the opening Aug. 9 here. Distinguished guests and visitors included Mayor Mark Mathews, city of Kennesaw, Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, commander of the Georgia Air National Guard, Col. Heath Nuckolls, 22nd Air Force chief of staff, Shan Hooper, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pam Younker, chair, Honorary Commanders Association, Douglas Davidson, president, New South Construction, Matthew Armstrong, president, D & N Electric, David Luke, vice president, Merrick and Company, and of course, men and women of the 94th Airlift Wing. The occasion highlighted Dobbin's new tower equipped to support new technological advancements needed to enhance our capabilities. "With Lockheed Martin greatly expanding the C-130J program over the next three years and a continued active military mission, the need for effective air traffic control at Dobbins will remain critically important," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. An open house allowed guests to tour the 88-foot structure, using the elevator to reach the larger control cab that provides greater visibility and safety of airfield operations here. Guests may now view portions Clay Army Guard ramp and into a runway training area, not previously visible from the old tower. The 7,000 square-foot tower also has added space for offices, equipment rooms, and a training area for newly assigned controllers. "This process didn't happen overnight," said Clarence Miller, airfield operations manager. "It was a culmination of several years of hard work that brought us this state-of-the-art facility."
