BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With a ribbon cutting timed for 9:40 a.m. Friday in honor of the 940th Air Refueling Wing, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a new Squadron Operations and Aircraft Maintenance Unit complex that will support refueling, maintenance and mission-planning operations for years to come.
The more than 43,000 square-foot facility consolidates the Operational Support Squadron, Aircraft Maintenance Unit and Aircrew Flight Equipment into one modern building. With operations, maintenance and aircrew preparation located under the same roof, crews can move more quickly from planning to on the aircraft, and maintenance teams can coordinate directly with operators. Air Force Colonel Andrew Gray, commander of the 940th Air Refueling Wing, said the facility represents a long-awaited milestone.
“For the first time we have a permanent, stand-alone facility for the Operations Group and AMXS directly connected to the flightline,” Gray said. “This will make operations more effective and efficient.”
He added that the facility provides a dedicated home for the 314th Air Refueling Squadron, 940th Operations Support Squadron, and 940th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, allowing them to conduct day-to-day operations and training from one location.
“The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive,” Gray said. “Everyone is excited for the chance to operate out of the new building and help make it their own.”
For project engineer and contracting officer’s representative Laszlo Nagy, a certified professional engineer, who was onsite almost daily to oversee construction, the project’s success came from both technical rigor and close coordination with the base.
“Projects go a lot smoother when you have a good face-to-face relationship with the base,” Nagy said. “Fire alarm, electrical, locksmith, environmental— every shop plays a role. When we work well together, it saves time, saves money, and ultimately supports the mission.”
Nagy has worked for the Sacramento District since 2010, primarily in civil works before joining the construction division three years ago. He said vertical construction has given him new challenges and renewed energy in his career.
“After a while, building levees becomes familiar,” he said. “But constructing a facility like this— digging into the plans, the specs, the telecom layouts, the fire and emergency systems— that’s where I get to learn new things. That’s what drives me.”
The new facility includes secure areas designed with elements of intelligence, a brand-new fueling system, aircraft parking improvements, security fencing and nearly 750 feet of new blast fencing. Automated building systems control lighting, monitor mechanical and electrical performance and send alerts directly to maintenance shops when action is needed.
“This is a fully automated building,” Nagy said. “Airmen don’t have to troubleshoot lighting or mechanical issues. The building takes care of itself so crews can stay focused on the mission.”
The project was designed by the Louisville District and administered by the Sacramento District, reflecting USACE’s enterprise model in which districts with specialized expertise support one another. The completion of the squadron operations building also sets the stage for the next phase of development at Beale.
Construction is already underway on a new air crew readiness facility that includes two-bedroom living quarters with shared bathrooms, a kitchen and a breakroom, all located next door to the new operations building.
“That project is running smoothly because of the relationship we developed over the last three years,” Nagy said. “From planning to construction to today’s ribbon cutting, we’ve built trust with the 940th. That makes all the difference.”
As Beale Air Force Base opens its doors to the new squadron operations facility, the partnership between USACE and the 940th Air Refueling Wing continues to grow, with more mission-supporting projects already underway.