Thursday, May 20, 2010

Camp Lejeune Military Working Dogs Get Energy Efficient Home

May 20, 2010 - CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (NNS) -- The Officer In Charge of Construction Marine Corps Installations East (OICC MCI East) completed the construction of the $10 million Military Police Company Interim Facilities Project in early May, as part of the $56 million USMC Grow the Force Construction Program at Camp Lejeune.

This project, completed by Blue Rock Structures, Inc., of Pollocksville, N.C. was one of 20 contracts awarded to implement a directive from the commandant of the Marine Corps to provide interim facilities for Marine units affected by the 202k initiative to incrementally increase overall Marine Corps end strength to approximately 202,000 Marines by fiscal year 2011.

The interim facility project consisted of erecting pre-engineered buildings and installing modular units; with the exception of the permanent kennels constructed for the military police working dogs. The contract provided for construction of five working dog kennels that can hold more than 100 dogs, two storage buildings, a central kitchen, and 1.5 acres of fenced obedience courses to support military working dog operations for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Additionally, three modular classrooms and 12 modular administrative buildings were installed to house kennel master, handler and trainer activities.

"This project provides rather stately kennel facilities for II MEF and Marine Corps Base working dogs with energy conservation in mind. The kennels maximize creature comfort by utilizing in-slab radiant floor heat systems fed by a farm of geothermal well points," said Cmdr. Cheryl Hansen, commanding officer, OICC MCI East, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic.

The structure was also built with selected heating system, which is projected to realize more than 30 percent efficiency over conventional gas or oil-fueled heat systems.

Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month, signifying the official opening of the complex.

Also in attendance were the ranks of police dogs and their handlers who say they are delighted with their new facilities.

"The new kennels are a significant improvement from our former home," said John Salvetti, Camp Lejeune kennel master.

He added that the secluded location of the kennel complex keeps the dogs in a tranquil mood and the size of the facilities provides more living and training space.

A future military construction project slated for next year provides 14,500 square-feet of permanent administration space to replace the interim modular units.

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