Military

$19.8 Million Barracks Renovation Complete at NAS Meridian

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091023-15
Release Date: 10/23/2009 1:57:00 PM

From Naval Air Station Meridian Public Affairs

MERIDIAN, Miss. (NNS) -- The quality of life of nearly 1,000 Sailors on board Naval Air Station Meridian recently reached a new level.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20, marked the conclusion of a $19.8 million project to renovate seven barracks and the Administration Building at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) on board NAS Meridian located in east central Mississippi.

"This project will let students live in relative luxury compared to the quality of the barracks that were here before this project began," said Cmdr. Rusty Bownds, commanding officer of NTTC.

Sailors will occupy the barracks while training at the center which is the Navy's primary facility for enlisted administrative and supply class "A" schools.

The project was awarded Sept. 27, 2006, to TJC Engineering of Louisville, Ky. Following completion of the design, work began on the first two buildings in January 2007. The first of the barracks was accepted Jan. 8, 2008, and students began moving in immediately.

Work included removal of all interior finishes (walls, ceilings, flooring, lighting and bathroom fixtures) and replacement with more durable and up-to-date materials including porcelain and ceramic tile flooring, impact and mold resistant gypsum board, energy efficient/adjustable direct and indirect lighting, new insulating windows and key card locking systems. A new outside air system was designed and installed to ensure the rooms are provided with conditioned outside air to meet new standards for indoor air quality. Barracks exterior "freshening" of the bulldogging included new handrails on the second and third floor walkways, new exterior lighting and repair and painting of the exterior stucco finish.

Each of the barracks includes 60 sleeping rooms in suites of four rooms with a common lounge. Typically each bedroom houses two "A" school students, though some are furnished with three beds, lockers, and desks to support increased student loading.

The administration building now houses NTTC Administration offices on the ground floor as well as the Personnel Customer Support Detachment and ID Card Center. The Liberty Center is located on the second floor. It has a large media room, Guitar Hero "rock out" room, and a sports game room. Computer and wireless access will be added soon.

The project was competed within budget and six months early.

For more news from Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrse.