Ribbon cutting marks wing milestone

Plenty of help was available to cut the ribbon following the ceremony April 28, 2011, to mark the official opening of the Centralized Repair Facility at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Conn . The $8.3 million dollar project improves and expands the existing TF-34 Engine repair facility, adding an additional 17,000 square feet. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Debbi Newton, State Public Affairs NCO)

Ribbon cutting marks wing milestone

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy addresses guests and members of the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 28, 2011, to mark the official opening of the Centralized Repair Facility at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Conn. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Debbi Newton, State Public Affairs NCO)

Ribbon cutting marks wing milestone

A formation of members from the Connecticut Air National Guard's 103rd Maintenance Group and seated guests look on during a ribbon cutting ceremony April 28, 2011, to mark the official opening of the Centralized Repair Facility at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Conn. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Debbi Newton, State Public Affairs NCO)

Ribbon cutting marks 103rd Airlift Wing milestone

Published May 16, 2011
By Capt. Jefferson S. Heiland
103rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

BRADLEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, East Granby, Conn. -- Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, the Adjutant General and commander of the Connecticut National Guard, hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new turbine engine Centralized Repair Facility (CRF) at the Bradley Air National Guard Base April 28.

"The men and women of the 103rd Airlift Wing keep our National Guard functioning at the highest possible level. I am very pleased to be here with General Martin to open the new repair facility which will aid them in this endeavor," said Governor Malloy. "The upgrades, improvements and new technology at work here will ensure our troops are well prepared at home and while deployed. They have the gratitude of the state and the nation for their work."

"This state of the art engine overhaul facility is now reality," said Martin. "The return on our investment will pay great dividends as this facility positions us to meet mission needs well into the future and will serve as the primary maintenance & training facility of the 103rd Airlift Wing."

The $8.3 million dollar project improves and expands the existing TF-34 Engine repair facility at the Air National Guard facility in response to the 2005 Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision.

The new CRF is a 36,000 square foot TF-34 engine repair facility that will facilitate increased turbine engine maintenance and repair for the engines of 78 Air National Guard A-10s as well as those from two active-duty units. This facility also adds 17,000 square feet of work space, offices, training and break areas as well as upgrading the previously existing 7,120 square feet to meet current code requirements.