CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - Leaders at the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base unveiled a new addition to the military base. A hangar that used to house F-51D "Mustang" fighter jets will now serve multiple purposes.
Now known as Building 107, this facility will be home to a state-of-the-art Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, a small air terminal, a deployment registration center and an improved physical fitness center.
Commander of the 130th Airlift Wing Colonel Bryan Preece said these renovations have been well received by his squadron.
"They love it. I mean the remodeling job was excellent. They have really nice facilities, it's much more functional," Col. Preece. "We have a square footage limitation, so it will allow us to eventually demolish the other hangar and build a new squadron operations facility. It's crucial that you continue to evolve, our opponents, our peers always evolve and we must do the same. We must be efficient with our resources and stay ready to serve."
The original facility was built in 1951, making it one of the oldest functioning military facilities in the country. While Col. Preece is thrilled with the upgrades, he said it is important to honor the building's history.
"Well, it's important because it maintains the heritage and the maintenance of the 130th Airlift Wing from our maintenance group. It also allows us to continue to serve our state and our nation in a new way with our aero meds, our small air terminal and our fitness center," said Col. Preece.