Desert Homes

Officials at Edwards AFB, Calif., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 to celebrate the completion of a five-year, $100 million construction project that brought 291 new energy-saving homes to the desert base. “The houses we deliver today will, for decades and decades, support the families who deliver excellence for our nation,” said Col. Jerry Gandy, 95th Air Base Wing commander, at the ceremony. The new homes’ features are based in part on the suggestions of residents of Edwards’ old housing. “We’ve put in ceiling fans and Energy Star appliances. The yards are Xeriscape, which saves water, and the windows are dual-paned energy-saving glass with extra insulation,” explained Jeanette White, 95th Civil Engineer Directorate housing coordinator. With the housing project done, base officials are turning to other conservation efforts and the construction of a new base gym and fire station. (Edwards report by SrA William A. O’Brien)