The Air Force Center for Civil Engineering and the Environment is constructing a 63,645-square foot hangar at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, to handle corrosion control maintenance for the base’s new C-17 airlifters. An AFCEE release notes that Hickam currently has no facility large enough to handle paint and wash functions for the C-17s. The center also plans to build a 25,031-square foot maintenance shop for the new aircraft. Despite the island’s traditionally good weather, Hickam does get trade winds on a routine basis that make outdoors operations too hazardous. AFCEE expects to complete work on the C-17 projects in December.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.