EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA -- The 96th Test Wing’s engineering division recently claimed two of the eight Air Force-level annual design awards.
The division, part of the 96th Civil Engineer Group, earned the Merit and Citation awards for their designs on the F-35 reprogramming lab and the temporary lodging facility respectively.
Dan Robeen, the division’s chief, found out via email his team won the awards.
“It means my team, that is consistently challenged with a high operations tempo every year, while performing exceptionally, receives some well-deserved Air Force level recognition,” said Robeen.
Merit award for reprogramming lab
The reprogramming lab was built to accommodate three countries: Norway, Italy and the United States. The process of building a 100% foreign-funded facility on an American Air Force Base was complex to say the least. Robeen and his team had to create and develop a facility to meet the requirements of all three countries. It was also tasked to design three separate secure environments for the countries, but also allow for collaboration between them as well.
The $17.7 million lab was completed April 19 and is currently in use here.
Citation award for temporary lodging facility
The new TLF created by the design team would replace the 74-year-old complex. The two-building structure includes 32 living units and incorporated many existing native trees in its layout and design.
The $13 million facility was completed in May and cost less than projected.
This isn’t the first time 96th CEG won a design award. They claimed a Merit Award just last year for their design of the Variable Height Tower.
“These awards are a fantastic recognition for our talented design team and their efforts to modernize Eglin,” said Col. John Schuliger, 96th Civil Engineer Group commander. “It’s a testament to all CEG does every day.”