Pennsylvania Air National Guard Combined Communications Operations and Training Facility

Facility inefficiencies stifled the missions of three communications squadrons at the Fort Indiantown Gap Air Guard Station in Annville, Pennsylvania. Energy reduction goals could not be met, and extensive repairs were required to keep 11 World War II-era buildings in minimal operating condition.

The facilities were undersized, and had inadequate fire protection and antiquated heating systems. In recent years, fires had occurred in two buildings, both caused by electrical system failures. Because of these poor conditions, the unit was experiencing recruitment and retention problems, leading to reduced readiness ratings and potential mission failure.

To better serve the operations, maintenance, and training needs of these important military communication units, Gannett Fleming designed a 20,052-square-foot facility that provides a command section, general office areas, communications systems (satellite, base, and network), classrooms, a VTC-enabled conference room, break area, support spaces, and a full-service fitness center with locker facilities.

Any new facility on an active military base must meet strict federal guidelines. In order to comply with the blast resistance requirements of UFC 4-010-01 DoD Minimum Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Standards for Buildings, the facility was designed with insulated concrete form (ICF) walls, light gauge steel trusses, standing seam metal roofing, and reinforced concrete slab-on-grade construction. The team used site design elements, including concrete curbs, a segmental retaining wall, bollards, and access control arms to create the ATFP minimum standoff perimeter around the building. Sustainable design features also were incorporated with a goal of achieving Silver certification under the LEED® for New Construction rating system.

• Insulated concrete form (ICF) walls provide the strength needed to resist high blast loads.
• Concrete curbs, retaining walls, bollards, and access control arms help to secure the site.
• A new 24-hour fitness center is separated from the main building to allow access while maintaining security.
• An efficient floor plan provides distinct quarters for three squadrons and easy access to shared spaces.
• The carefully planned site allows for the future construction of two additional buildings.