Dyess to build new reserve center, C-130J hanger

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Distinguished visitors from across the state gathered with Dyess Air Force Base members Nov. 16 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new C-130J Hercules aircraft maintenance hangar and an Armed Forces Reserve Center.

The hangar costs $21 million and includes fire wall separation between bays and appropriate ventilation systems to accommodate fuel systems maintenance in addition to general aircraft maintenance. The hangar is sized to accommodate two C-130Js or one B-1 Bomber.

The AFRC costs $31 million and will accommodate Army Reservists from the Grimes U.S. Army Reserve Center in Abilene, Texas; Army National Guard units from the Abilene, Coleman, and Snyder readiness centers; as well as the Texas Army National Guard Field Maintenance Shop in Abilene.

"I'm very pleased with the AFRC, its going to make sure that all the Reserve units have a central place to have as their headquarters," said Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The aircraft hangar will be 57,000 square-feet and the AFRC will be 98,428 square-feet, both projects will be completed spring of 2011.

Due to the AFRC and the new J model hangar, new jobs will be available to the Abilene community.

"I'm thinking about jobs and what it means to our community," said Norm Archibald, Abilene Mayor. "This is a great opportunity for people to be employed."