Fitness center delay to be 'worth the wait' Published Nov. 19, 2013 By 2nd Lt. Katrina Cheesman 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Multiple quality control discrepancies delayed the 52nd Fighter Wing from opening the new fitness center here, according to 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron representatives. The new fitness center has been under construction near the Exchange since July 2011. "We want the best facility possible for our Saber Nation," said Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "And while it may take a little more time, the end product will be worth the wait." While it is a functional facility, the contractor must still comply with the contractual requirements, which is monitored through multiple quality assurance inspections by the U.S. government, said Lt. Col. Bradley Johnson, commander of 52nd CES. "Our job [as the civil engineer squadron] is to ensure that the contractor delivers what the government, and indirectly what the taxpayer, has paid for and not a substandard facility," Johnson said. "At this time, the contractor needs more time to deliver a finished product." Members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and 52nd CES, along with other key personnel, have discussed what must be completed to take ownership of the facility, and they will continue to inspect the contractor's work until standards are met. Many of the inspection discrepancies are finishing issues, such as incorrect flooring, warped glass walls and cleanliness, Johnson said. While many of these issues seem individually insignificant, there is a potential risk for damage if and when the government takes occupancy of the facility. Those issues could potentially cost the U.S. government unnecessary funds to correct, if not corrected first by the contractor, according to Johnson. Before the 52nd FW can occupy the facility, the government, represented by the USACE, must accept the project. This means the U.S. government will be responsible for all of the facility's operations and maintenance, Johnson said. As a result, the contractor should fix any outstanding corrections before the government takes occupancy of the facility, according to Elizabeth Tevault, a project manager with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center at Ramstein Air Base, who represents the Air Force in military construction projects. The focus of wing leadership is to first and foremost allow inclement weather fit testing on the larger track in the new fitness center, Julazadeh said. On the new running track, the mile and a half can be completed in 16.33 laps instead of 25 laps in the Skelton Memorial Fitness Center, according to Master Sgt. Naleo Padaguan, section chief of fitness and sports with 52nd Force Support Squadron.