With three secure new buildings, FSB assisted U.S. military with ‘tip of the spear’ Middle East operations.
As part of our nation’s response to the 9/11 terror attacks, the U.S. military established a major military base in the Republic of Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa. Home to a combined joint task force, Camp Lemonnier allows servicemen and women to better work with partner nations, promote regional security and protect military coalition interests, acting as the “tip of the spear” for the U.S. military’s Africa command.
Conditions in the Middle East have created the need for a 13-facility addition to the installation. With our long history of partnering successfully with the military, FSB was selected to complete three of the planned new structures, specifically a Two-Bay Type I hangar, an Air Operations Center and an Armory. For all three projects, a strong focus on antiterrorism/force protection improvements, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, intrusion detection systems and additional security measures were critical design elements.
The two-bay multipurpose hangar is utilized by C-130 and P-8 Poseidon aircraft. If needed, one of the bays can be quickly converted into a large communications/multipurpose space, which can serve as an intelligence hub or house additional troops in case of military need. This flexibility required the integration of additional communications and space functionality into the design. Other features of the hangar facility include telecommunications closets, offices, mechanical and electrical rooms, fire protection rooms, storage for parts and tools, plus locker rooms and restrooms.
The Air Operations Center, while designed as a separate facility, is physically attached to the hangar. With 24,075 SF, it contains more than 18,000 SF of SCIF, for conducting operation details and handling other classified information, along with spaces designated for joint use by the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy. Along with AT/FP measures, additional features of the center include telecommunications spaces, administrative offices, conference rooms, storage and restrooms. The 5,570 SF Armory is constructed of concrete and intended primarily for small arms weapons storage. Utilizing multiple day gates and vault doors, its design includes several distinct spaces for various types of weapons and munitions.