Officials at Scott AFB, Ill., unveiled the new $7.4 million, energy-efficient building that will house the 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and its 163 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve members. The new facility replaces a 70-year-old “condemned building famous for its mold and basement swimming pool after a hard rain,” according to Scott officials. It features 42 underground geothermal wells to help with the heating and cooling systems, as well as a solar-powered water heater and water-efficient landscaping on the roof. Lt. Col. John Shulinger of Scott’s 375th Civil Engineer Squadron said the eco-friendly design will help reduce overall water usage by 20 percent. However, the biggest advantage of the new building is that it “will allow us to train our staff better and in a synergistic manner,” said Lt. Col. James Speight, 375th AES chief nurse. The opening ceremony took place on Monday. (Scott report by A1C Jake Eckhardt)
B-52 Stratofortresses popped up from the Middle East to North Africa to the Arctic in recent days, as the U.S. Air Force flexed the reach of its bomber fleet.