New Special Operations Outdoor Training Facility Allows Safe Workouts

July 7, 2020 | BY ARMY STAFF SGT. STEVEN COLVIN

U.S. Special Operations Command Central has opened a new outdoor human performance facility at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, providing the opportunity for safe and socially distant workouts while allowing a venue to maintain personal wellness.

Officials deemed it necessary to open the outdoor facility during a time where most public fitness facilities were closed due to COVID-19.

Navy Rear Adm. H. Wyman Howard III, the Soccent commander, cut the ribbon to open the facility June 3.

''This is a great moment for us to be able to expand the [human performance] facilities,'' Howard said. ''With this new workout area, our teammates will have ample room to perform workouts necessary to keep the team fit for the fight.''

The facility is nearly the length of an American football field; stretching 247 feet, with half of the flooring made of synthetic turf and the remainder made of rubber matting for the equipment workout area. New lighting and industrial fans were installed throughout the facility, which also includes a purified drinking station. The open-air, yet covered, space allows athletes to work out without being exposed to the direct sunlight.

After the ceremony, Mike Renteria, Soccent's strength and conditioning coach, invited a small group of personnel to stay for the initial workout session at the new facility.

This workout area is the first expansion phase of the human performance facilities, with plans for two more buildings on the Soccent campus to be converted as indoor facilities.

''The expansion of our Human Performance Training Center is going to be a world-class facility, with the best trainers, for the best warriors in the world,'' said Army Maj. Juan Salas, the headquarters commandant for Soccent. ''It will serve as the pinnacle for all special operations forces while stationed at MacDill Air Force Base.''

The expansion and renovation project for the workout areas, physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities will span three fiscal years: 2019, 2020 and 2021.

''The project is moving nicely,'' Salas said. ''The gym equipment will be installed in the new buildings by September of this year.'' The project is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2020.

(Army Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin is assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command Central.)