Edwards completes housing project

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman William A. O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Edwards celebrated the completion of the housing construction project, that built 291 new homes here March 26.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1486 South Palmetto Drive marked the end of a five-year, $100-million project, which brings new homes and improved quality of life to the community.

The new home designs were the direct result of resident feedback regarding old base housing. Energy-saving designs will reduce costs over the lifetime of the homes, making Team Edwards a better steward of the environment.

"We always listen to the suggestions our customers give us," said Jeanette White, 95th Civil Engineer Directorate housing coordinator. "We've put in ceiling fans and Energy Star appliances. The yards are Xeriscape, which saves water and the windows are dual-paned energy saving glass with extra insulation."

James Judkins, 95th CE director and base civil engineer said completing this project took a base wide effort that culminated with this ribbon-cutting and viewing of the houses.

"It took a lot of teamwork to complete these projects," said James Judkins, director, 95th Civil Engineer Directorate, who thanked units around the base for their support in getting this project accomplished.

"While it ultimately involved most of the installation, we need to thank Col. Gandy for keeping everyone going during his command," said Mr. Judkins. "Hunt Construction of course along with CEV team, Public Affairs, Security Forces, Communications Group and of course the CE shops who saved the day on more than one occasion."

Col. Jerry Gandy, 95th Air Base Wing commander, said as a career fighter pilot, working on the support side has been a unique experience for him and he is proud to be a part of the opening of what he said was his flightline as the commander of a support wing.

"The houses we deliver today will for decades and decades support the families who deliver excellence for our nation," said Colonel Gandy. "Since becoming the wing commander here, this has been my 'flightline' and today I can say 'the runway is secured.'"

After completing this project 95th CE said their focus will now turn to conservation efforts across the base, as well as the construction of a new base gym and fire station.

"I have seen numerous changes to the base in the past 26 years, but by far, the biggest changes have come over the past two years," said Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, Air Force Flight Test Center commander. "What you see today is much better than anything Edwards has ever had."

Airmen who wish to see the new housing can take a virtual tour at www.AHRN.com or get more information by visiting the base housing office at 402 South Forbes Ave., between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 277-4506.