News

Opening to help C-130 workload

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Brig. Gen. Lee Levy, 402nd Maintenance Wing commander, isn't one to put much stock in superstition. On Friday, May 13, he cut the ribbon on the wing's newest facility, a $24.1 million hangar for C-130s.

"Today, Friday the 13th, is a lucky day because it's the day we cut the ribbon on this magnificent hangar," he told a crowd gathered for the ceremony. "I would say we have a lot of celebrate and certainly not much to be fearful of."

The 86,000 square foot facility can house four C-130s or one C-130 and one C-17, but will initially be used primarily for C-130 center wing box work.

Still, the building will immediately benefit the C-17 section. The center wing box work is currently being done in Bldg. 83, so once that work moves to the new hangar, C-17s will move into Bldg. 83, said Ed Montano, deputy director of the 402nd Maintenance Group.

Among the hangar's features is a fixed fall-protection system, which will better protect technicians from falls while they're working on the top and wings of aircraft.

Levy said the building also has some amenities to make life more comfortable for maintainers, including a heating system and insulated walls. It also has a break room and restroom facilities. The hangar will accommodate about 120 mechanics and 20 administrative personnel.