FORT BELVOIR, Va. (March 14, 2013) -- Davison Army Air Field received its new multi-million dollar Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower during a ceremony held at Fort Belvoir, Va., March 14; replacing its outdated tower built in1957.
Davison Army Airfield was established in 1949 in support of the Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters. The airfield allowed the 509th and 3rd Transportation Companies to move from Fort Bragg, N.C., to provide aviation support to the Corps of Engineers.
"The concept for the development of the new air traffic control tower began in the fall of 2004," said Col. William McGarrity, commander of the Army Air Operations Group (AAOG). "Operations have been ongoing from the adjacent hanger since the older tower was found unsafe and deemed condemned."
The new ATC tower is 136 feet tall and provides greater visibility for the controllers. The tower is separated into various levels including the tower cab, ground controlled approach radar, equipment rooms and administrative offices.
"The air traffic control tower went fully operational yesterday at about 9:30 a.m." said Dale Walters, project and ATC maintenance manager. "The facility is operated and maintained by civilian personnel and some are former military."
The tower was built to modern standards for energy efficiency and environmental compliance. It optimizes the advantages for design and cost by combining the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Force and Navy standards.
"While moving the equipment out of the old tower, operations were performed from a tactical tower," said Walters. When asked how he and the air traffic controllers felt about the new tower Walter said "Awesome and they are excited to work out of the new tower."
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