The 325th Air Control Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., unveiled its newest building, the Air Control Squadron Operations Training Complex, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The $8.5 million, energy-efficient facility offers approximately 36,000 square feet of space. “It combines two out-of-date existing buildings into one,” said Capt. Bryan Minatel, 325th chief of current operations. He added, “It houses five operations rooms used for live and simulation events, totaling 18 classrooms that will be used for briefings, lectures, and debriefings.” In addition, the complex features a 195-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art presentation equipment and numerous offices. “We are now able to produce a better product for the Air Force”—new air battle managers, said Minatel. Tyndall officials broke ground on the building in October 2009. The opening ceremony took place on Jan. 26. (Tyndall report by SrA. Rachelle Elsea)
The U.K. and the U.S. will continue to enjoy access to the ports, airfield, and workshops at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for at least another century, under a deal inked between the U.K. and Mauritius May 22.