OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea – Two compact track loaders (CTLs) cleared ribbons to mark the opening of a new Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) warehouse, Osan Air Base, South Korea, on Dec. 3, 2025. Driven by Col. Ryan Ley, Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Carl T. Vogel, Command Chief, 51st Fighter Wing, the unique start to the ceremony highlighted the mission these facilities support of rapid airfield recovery in a contingency environment.
“One of the most important things we do is deliver the program,” said Col. Jeremiah Willis, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District. “Events like this show our commitment to developing the infrastructure our Airmen need.”
The event brought together representatives from multiple U.S. and Republic of Korea (RoK) agencies gathered to celebrate the completion of the $31 million project. Attendees included Mr. Kim, Kyong-Chan, U.S. Forces Korea Program Deputy Division Chief, Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense – Defense Installation Agency; Lt. Col. Kirk Hull, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron commander, and other partners who contributed to the effort.
“We all understand this makes the Alliance, stronger collaborating on these projects,” Ley said.
Over the past several years, USACE Far East District has constructed ADR warehouses across the peninsula. The Osan project includes two new warehouses. The larger of the two is the biggest ADR facility for the U.S. Military built in Korea to date at nearly 400 feet long, extending beyond the length of a football field.
“It’s the only project in my 25 years in the construction field where I’ve got to see a project go from groundbreaking all the way to ribbon-cutting,” said Brian Quiroga, senior construction control representative, USACE FED.
The project was designed by the USACE Honolulu District, while MND-DIA served as the construction contract executor. Groundbreaking took place three years ago under the RoK Funded Construction program. Throughout construction, USACE FED provided oversight to ensure compliance with U.S. life, health, and safety standards and to verify the facilities meet the mission needs of the Air Force.
The new warehouses ensure that the installation can store the heavy equipment that supports recovering the airfield and supports Osan’s Fight Tonight mission.
“[This is a] huge asset and win for Osan Air Base,” Ley said. “Thanks again to the wonderful collaboration with all the parties here today.”
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