The Army Air Operations Group officially opened Davison Army Airfield's new control tower during a ribbon cutting ceremony March 14 at the airfield.
The facility stands at 136 feet tall, dwarfing the airfield's old tower, which stands at 73 feet. The increased height, along with updated equipment, increases DAA's flight control capabilities and saves the Army money.
"This is a special day for the members of the airfield division of the Army's Air Operations Group," said Col. William D. McGarrity, AOG commander. "This day represents the culmination of years of work to establish the new air traffic control facility in the National Capital Region."
DAA was built in 1949 and the airport has grown in size and tenants during the last 67 years. The facility houses a variety of fixed wing and rotary aircraft with missions including transporting congressman, emergency response and space available shuttle service for retirees to Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va.
DAA's old tower, which was constructed in 1957, provided air traffic control support for units in the region. In 2005, the facility was deemed unfit to support the required space and height for personnel to fulfill future DAA air traffic control missions. This determination necessitated the construction of a new tower, McGarrity said.
"Since the previous tower was older it was condemned," McGarrity said. "We've been operating out of that tower on an annual basis with a waiver because it was condemned."
A construction crew will demolish the old tower, now that the new one is operational.
The Army worked with several military branches and private contractors to design the new control tower. The facility houses a tower cab, ground controlled approach radar, equipment rooms, administrative offices and an elevator servicing the building.
The tower complies with the LEED Silver construction standards for energy efficiency and environmental compliance as the facility generates its own heat, has motion sensor lighting and plenty of windows for natural lighting. These qualities cut down on energy cost for the Army.
"Although it towers over the old facility, it uses less energy due to its geothermal heating and cooling system," said Lemuel McCullum, DAA chief airfield division. "By using the LEED standard, the Army further demonstrated it's commitment to the improvement of the environment."
The new tower is designed to continue operations in winds up to 90 knots while the old facility could only handle 40-knot winds before a mandatory evacuation is ordered.
The tower's height offers a superior vantage point which will allow control tower personnel increased visibility in every direction. The increased visibility gives personnel the opportunity to be more effective, McCullum said.
"The Army provided the resources to construct this facility, however it will be the human resource of the air traffic controllers and the air traffic control maintenance personnel that will be called upon to provide impeccable service," McCullum said.
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