VICENZA, Italy - Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, U.S. Army Africa commanding general, hosted a ground breaking ceremony, Dec. 9, at Caserma Del Din. The ceremony marks the beginning of a two-year, more than $13 million renovation project.
Three buildings will be renovated, one will become the new USARAF headquarters.
The ceremony was held at the renovation site allowing attendees the opportunity to witness the initial acts of demolition to the buildings.
"This is an important moment, today we begin the next portion of renovation of Caserma Del Din and the consolidation of U.S. Army Africa," said Williams.
Nearly seven years ago, to the day, USARAF assumed duties as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command.
Williams said in those seven years the unit has accomplished much on the continent of Africa, from increasing partnerships and security to creating training opportunities for U.S. and African militaries.
Currently USARAF operates from two locations in Vicenza, Casermas Del Din and Ederle, which are at opposite ends of the city.
"We will be able to work more efficiently when we are consolidated on this one installation," said Williams.
Of the three buildings to be renovated, building 4 will become the new USARAF headquarters. It is also the last of two Mussolini-era buildings to be renovated on Caserma Del Din. The proposed design was vetted through the Italian historical commission, to ensure the building is restored with key elements from the original construction.
Buildings 93 and 94, once renovated, will house the majority of the USARAF's sustainment directorate, as well as multiple elements of special staff, to include chaplain, public affairs, surgeon and engineers.
During the ceremony, Tim Woods, Mediterranean resident engineer for Europe District, Army Corps of Engineers, presented a plaque to Williams to commemorate the event.
Afterwards, Col. Steven Marks, U.S. Army Garrison Italy commander, and Italian Col. Umberto D' Andria, Italian Base commander, joined Williams in sledge hammering holes into an interior wall of building 4, commencing the renovation.
Later, Williams boarded a tracked excavator, equipped to break through concrete, to initiate the renovation of buildings 93 and 94.
Once complete, USARAF, for the first time since its establishment, will be able to operate from a single location.
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