The state of the station Published Jan. 20, 2012 By Col. Michael Ochs 934th Mission Support Group commander Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station -- As you drove around base last year, or worked on the apron/ramp, or had a medical physical, you got to experience firsthand the fruits of a very productive construction season at the 934th Airlift Wing. In FY11 we started or completed more than 25 projects with a combined value of almost $20M. Some of the more mission critical projects that you might not have been aware of: - Remodeled the Aeromedical Staging Squadron Clinic - Completed another large sectional replacement of our 60+ year old concrete apron - Remodeled and expanded our ANG/AFRC joint use POL office and fuels lab - Completed some long needed street repairs - Working on a base-wide facility fire detection system upgrades - Remodeled an older unwanted building for the Maintenance Group's new hydraulic test stand - Acquired and installed a new vehicle barrier at the main gate - Started the demolition of building 865, which is a 24,000 square foot 1940's era wooden facility These were/are some great projects that will go a long way in improving our ability to "Fly, Fight and Win". Our construction program here is focused on meeting mission needs and achieving a cost reduction goal placed upon us by Headquarters Air Force. That is, to reduce our footprint and building operational costs by 20 percent by the year 2020 (named 20/20 by 2020). The only way we can achieve the reduction goal is to consolidate similar mission functions, create more efficient and synergistic working environments, and thus improve efficiencies. When these space moves and relocations happen, we further discover other unwanted or excess space we can either dispose of or better utilize. It is a great on-going cost reduction effort. Keep in mind that FY12 dollars will be fewer compared to FY11. We will start this year with a command-wide objective to scale back our construction program to help the Department of Defense trim the budget. We are only projecting four to seven projects this year with a value of about $8M. Our main focus this year will be more concrete apron replacement work; improving our ability to become more operational capable within our Explosive Ordinance Disposal mission; do some more road work; and demolish the old main gate guard house. Some great projects, but definitely fewer than what we are use to. All in all it has been a great couple of years for base construction improvements. Even with a smaller program this FY, we can still sustain the same great successes as in the past, as long as we all continue to work together toward the reduction mandate set by 20/20 by 2020. But most importantly, be patient with each other as we execute our projects. Thanks for all you do as we work together.