A case of space

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mickey Cordiviola
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga., --  The 94th Maintenance Group has just moved into a bigger, better home co-located with the wing headquarters building. In late May the Maintenance Group brought in the last of the equipment that made their newly renovated space in bay two and bay three of Bldg. 838 a functioning home. 

"The two new hangars consolidate all the previously separated work areas into one centralized location," said Master Sgt. Danny McClusky, the 94th Communications /Navigator and Electronic Warfare shop supervisor. "By having all the different shops within the same area, all the travel time previously required is reduced to practically zero." 

The whole construction process took approximately 18 months of intense labor which was completed by the local building contractor, New South Construction. 

"Both bays needed to be gutted and many new offices have been added for the additional personnel that now occupy the space," said Sergeant McClusky. "There are approximately 208 total personnel, including air reserve technicians, civilians and Reservists assigned to the Maintenance Group now utilizing the two bays." 

The greatest benefit of moving into the new facility? For the first time an entire aircraft can be fitted inside the maintenance bay and the doors can be closed behind it. Previously the aircraft's tail would not fit inside which prevented work during foul weather and lightning storms. 

In bay two, the previous offices were torn down and replaced with a two story office area. Bay two now also accommodates the engine shop, prop shop and electrical shop. Bay three holds the hydraulic shop, sheet metal and machine shop and the welding area. There are also administrative offices located inside this bay. 

"Moving into the hangars has made the operation more efficient and cost effective," said Sergeant McClusky. "We can now work without interruption and if a specific task needs to be accomplished for aircraft repair. We have all the services close by to keep the process running smoothly. Our new home has brought the maintenance group closer together as a team."