Consolidation at Andrews:

The Air National Guard leadership broke ground at Andrews AFB, Md., just outside Washington, D.C., on a new $52 million ANG Readiness Center. TSgt. Mike Smith reports that the Air Guard plans to consolidate personnel in the existing center, also at Andrews, and Air Guard offices that currently exist in Arlington, Va. Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, ANG director, says the impetus for the new four-story complex was the post 9/11 force protection issue. All nine ANG directorates that oversee operations of Air Guard personnel and units around the world will occupy the new facility, which is slated to open in September 2011.