SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE,Germany -- Spangdahlem Air Base has much to show, and even much more in store, almost six months after receiving the Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award for its outstanding and innovative efforts in maintaining a U.S. military installation.
Spangdahlem also received a $750,000 award, allowing for base growth and renovations. In addition to the CINC IEA funding, the base already has previously scheduled projects and plans in place to upgrade the installation. Together, these advancements allow for better mission performance and enhances the quality of life for military members and their families.
“We have a lot going on here at Spangdahlem, as far as mission goes,” said Maj. Joseph Adams, 52nd Contracting Squadron commander. “It’s a high operations tempo here, and it’s very important for Airmen and their families to have good, positive quality-of-life improvements.”
The base has already completed over a dozen improvement projects and have a few more currently in progress. A few of these include the Powerhaus weight room and Eifel Lanes bowling center renovations, a brand-new lighting and sound system in the Saber Ballroom, new golf cart pathways for Eifel Mountain golf course and a more convenient relocation of both the Saber Pet Lodge and Youth Program’s teen center and gymnastics facilities.
“Before moving to Spangdahlem, my family and I researched our new installation,” said Master Sgt. Ruben Ayala, 52nd Contracting Squadron base support flight chief. “We saw all the renovations and progress the base was making, and it got me and my family excited. It really motivated me to come here.”
In addition to what is ongoing and completed, Saber Nation has more improvements on the horizon. Some of those upgrades consist of a year-round, nine-hole disc golf course at the fitness center; the first-ever artificial turf at Falcon Field here; a toddler play area at the Base Exchange and renovations to the Mosel Dining Hall.
Many projects are slated out through 2019. However, tasks will be pushed forward as resources allow, and improvements are already ahead of schedule.
“The base truly has a continuous process improvement mindset,” Adams said. “It gets you excited to be here and makes you feel like you’re a part of greatness.”
Below is a list of completed improvements, those currently in progress and those scheduled for Spangdahlem:
Completed:
- Outdoor track, 24-hour fitness access and weight room renovation at the Powerhaus
- Added Kuhl Beans II coffee shop at 52nd Medical Group
- Relocated and expanded the gymnastics gym and teen center
- All new furniture upgrades in rooms at the Air Force Inn (Building 520)
- Mosel Dining Hall open to U.S. Government Service civilians
- Renovated Eifel Lanes Bowling Center
- Added sidewalks connecting Child Development Center to 52nd Medical Group
- Relocated Saber Pet Lodge to Spangdahlem
- New lighting and sound system in Saber Ballroom
- Outdoor movie screen for units to utilize
Coming in…
2016:
- Powerhaus sidewalk connecting Commissary/Exchange
- New golf cart pathways
- More covered bike racks
- 5k running trail markers along trail
- Library renovation and additional outlets in education
- More gymnastics mats and an increase in capacity for youth instructional program
- Pavilion repairs with new grill
2017:
- Beaverfit/Cross-Fit in a box – Concept units for exercising placed at Powerhaus and Skelton Gym
- Mosel Dining Hall renovation
- Artificial turf at Falcon Field with new bathrooms
- New sports field bleachers with concrete pads
- Nine-hole disc golf course at the fitness center
- All new furniture upgrades in rooms at the Air Force Inn (Building 38)
- More dog park benches
- Covered patio at the Club Eifel
2018/2019+:
- Powerhaus fitness expansion
- Brand name restaurant
- Community Commons (Old commissary)