“AFCEC is a key player in ensuring infrastructure for the Air Force to enable mission capability and success for the warfighter,” Norton said. Partnering with the 611th Civil Engineer Squadron at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AFCEC is engaged in multiple projects to modernize the airfield infrastructure and supporting facilities on the island. The installation is operated by the Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Located halfway between Hawaii and Japan, the atoll handles between 500 and 600 aircraft annually and needs improved infrastructure to fully support the Air Force mission. The Air Force took control of the island in 1973. It was surrendered by the Japanese on Sep. 8, 1941, it was attacked by the Japanese, who, after a hard fought battle with US Forces assigned to the island, took possession two weeks later. Wake Island is a US Territory, and has been named a National Historic Landmark due to the World War II battle that took place at the atoll in 1941. David Norton, director of AFCEC’s Facility Engineering Directorate. We are proud of our contributions to construct mission-ready and power projecting platforms that enable commanders increased readiness and lethality,” said Col. “Timely infrastructure is critical to mission assurance. It enables the USAF to conduct their mission, and in case of emergency, allows military aircraft to be diverted to land there safely.Īs the longest in the Pacific Islands, the runway has deteriorated after many years of use. It’s the runway that is of central importance. This two-and-a-half square-mile coral atoll, made of three islets, is considered the air bridge for Air Force aircraft flying across the Pacific Ocean because of its unique location and the 9,800-foot runway. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center is executing $87 million in critical airfield construction at one of the most isolated Air Force installations to enhance operational and defense capabilities for US forces.Īs told by Mila Cisneros, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs, in the article AFCEC leads major airfield modernization at Wake Island Airfield, the outpost, known as Wake Island Airfield, holds great significance to the US Air Force (USAF) because it serves as a trans- Pacific refueling depot for military missions in addition to being a military training and missile testing location. Wake Island Airfield holds great significance to the USAF because it serves as a trans-Pacific refueling depot for military missions in addition to being a military training and missile testing location.
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