The US Air Force is settling in to its temporary home at Manas AB, Kyrgyzistan, and the proof is in the continued enhancements USAF is making to the facility. Recently, in-house and contract construction projects have delivered four new fuel bladders, security grates for storm culverts, relocating guard towers to the outer perimeter fence, force protection fencing projects, and a new base support facility, among other projects. Civil engineers with Air and Space Expeditionary Force 7/8 have overseen eight contract projects and are working another 31.
Walking the flight line occupied by Blackhawk attack helicopters and American troops on rotation at the “MK” air base in Romania, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted the important strategic value of one of NATO’s newest members Oct. 20 ahead of NATO defense ministerial meetings in Brussels Oct. 21-22.…