KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea -- Mr. Arthur J. Myers, Air Force Services director, explains how the base's new lodging facility, currently under construction, will eliminate Kunsan's current, substandard visiting quarters during a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 7 here. The new facility, scheduled to open in July 2009, aims to "improve base morale by enhancing the quality of life for visiting Airmen," according to Col. CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing commander. Mr. Myers is visiting from the Pentagon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Giang Nguyen)

Air Force, base officials break ground on new lodging facility

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  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  As part of an ongoing, multi-million dollar upgrade plan, officials from the Air Force and the 8th Fighter Wing held a dedication ceremony for a new lodging facility Sept. 7 here at the Loring Club.
 
The $25 million project, projected to open in July 2009, was started off by visiting Air Force Services director Mr. Arthur Myers, Col. CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing commander and Kunsan's Seaside Inn Lodging Manager Mr. Todd Wirt. 

The facility will include 192 single-occupancy rooms, each with its own private bath. Eight business suites will also be constructed, housing distinguished visitors and others. 

Mr. Myers said the groundbreaking of the new facility signified the Air Force's dedication to not only modernizing its aircraft fleet, but its infrastructure as well. 

During his visit, the AF Services director observed the substandard lodging quarters Airmen experience here. He went on to point out the Air Force uses two weapons systems, including aircraft and the Airmen who maintain them. To take care of those Airmen, Mr. Myers noted the Air Force has had a long tradition of not only focusing on the mission, but focusing on its people as well. 

Financing for the facility comes primarily from non-appropriated funds, with $8 million exclusively from U.S. Forces Korea. Initial planning for new lodging began in 1999 as the growing population of the base and its mission proved to be too much for the current 96, double-occupancy rooms, 36 single rooms and three DV guest quarters. 

Current lodging facilities were constructed in the early 1960s. 

Colonel Brown said the construction of the new lodging facility was "a step in the right direction." 

"This new facility is going to be awesome," the colonel said. "This will give us another tool to help take care of our Airmen and start folks off with a good, first impression about Kunsan. You never have a second chance at a good, first impression." 

Due to the country's ongoing monsoon season, a traditional 'first dig' was cancelled.