• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

BRAC Decision Produces Energy, Maintenance Savings

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110917-04
9/17/2011

By Joe N. Wiggins, Navy Medical Research Unit San Antonio Public Affairs

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (NNS) -- One of the final directives of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Law was completed when the Tri-Service Research Laboratory officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 15.

The new research laboratory consolidated three military branches into one location while saving money in maintenance and utilities costs, according to officials who spoke at the ceremony. Navy and Air Force officials praised the new facility and the results in biomedical research it will produce over the years.

"We are now witnessing the opening of this $69.9 million dollar project that resulted from that (2005) BRAC decision," said Rear Adm. Bruce Doll, the director of Navy medicine research at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Not only is this lab destined to produce even more of the kind of results that came out of the previous location, this building accomplishes savings we could have never achieved in our previous facilities."

In remarks to more than 250 visitors and spectators at the ceremony held in front of the lab, Thomas S. Wells, director of the 711th Human Performance Wing, said the facility offers capabilities and opportunities to all branches of the Department of Defense.

"Each service brings their unique mission as together we conduct research in laser and radio frequency bioeffects and the effects of non-lethal weapons," said Wells.

Wells also told the audience the 181,000 square foot facility marks a new direction in military biomedical research.

"Nowhere else in the United States, will you find Air Force, Navy, and Army-directed energy bioeffects research under one roof," said wells. "Inside the walls of this building, you will get a glimpse of how we are creating the military of the future."

According to Dr. Gordon Hengst, integration manager for the Directed Bioeffects Division of the Air Force's 711th Human Performance Wing, much of the savings designed into the new building will come from a more modern design and from the consolidation of previous facilities.

"We were in 29 different locations while at Brooks City-Base," said Hengst. "We have now consolidated into one 181,000 square foot facility at Fort Sam Houston."

Other officials in the facility offered other examples of the facility's capabilities and savings.

"The ceilings in the labs, for example, are fiberglass reinforced, and never have to be painted," said Carrie Crane, the veterinary support manager for the Navy Medical Research Unit San Antonio; one of the units located in the facility. "Combined with the other improvements in the floors and walls, we know we will save taxpayer dollars. In the old facilities at Brooks, we had to paint everything every three years, at a cost of more than $200,000 each time."

Crane also said by being co-located in one building, each service can benefit from the facilities used by the others.

"Just because one service owns a particular lab doesn't mean another service can't use it; all you have to do is request it and schedule a facility for your work," said Crane.

Doll concluded his remarks by reminding the audience of the high point the new Tri-Service Laboratory represents, along with the pride the users will have in better using available resources.

"This ribbon-cutting marks another milestone in the development of the finest military bioeffects research facilities in the world," Doll said. "Every person that works here will have the knowledge that they are proudly serving their nation, while being a good steward of valuable resources in their local community. Our Navy team is proud to join you in this endeavor."

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps which will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve Secretary Ray Mabus' energy goals to improve energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.