The 177th Fighter Wing and the 227th Air Support Operations Squadron's new building was dedicated Thursday, Aug. 11.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard formally cut the ribbon on two new buildings Thursday.
“It’s great to serve, but it’s awesome to serve in a pair of buildings as great as these,” Col. Robert C. Bolton, wing commander for the 177th, said in his public comments.
About 100 members of the military and local officials took part in the ceremonies. Politicians, including U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., praised the military members.
“Never have so few been asked to bear the burden for so long,” Menendez said of the state’s National Guard.
“Sometimes we forget that the premier homeland security base in the entire United States of America is right here,” added U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd.
The buildings include a 21,400-square-foot headquarters for the 177th, with space for the commander and staff as well as conference rooms and a training classroom. The $8.3 million building was started in winter 2009, Bolton said, and was completed in May.
The other building is a $9 million structure designed for the 227th Air Support Operation Squadron, which is part of the 177th Operations Group.
The ASOS facility includes a 15,000-square-foot covered vehicle-storage area as well as a 19,000-square-foot structure with administrative and maintenance areas.
The members of the 227th provide direct support to the state Army National Guard’s 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
Construction started on the ASOS facility in winter 2008 and was completed in November.
Contact Derek Harper:
609-272-7046
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