Kentucky Guard breaks ground for new Army Aviation home

Kentucky Guard breaks ground for new Army Aviation home

15-Jul-2013 Source: US Army

The legacy of aviation in the Kentucky Army National Guard took another step forward as ground was broke for a new center for operations in Frankfort, Ky., July 12.

Kentucky’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini and local officials of Frankfort broke ground for a new Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) at Boone National Guard Center.

The $25 million facility will provide training and standardization for all aviation personnel, maintaining strict adherence to the aviation safety program, and perform maintenance on assigned aircraft. The new hangars and office space will replace the aging facility, which was built in 1958.

“The new building will help ensure that we are ready, reliable and successful in completing missions in the future,” said Tonini.

Hon. William May, Mayor of Frankfort, was in attendance for the groundbreaking and looks forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the completed facility.

“The AASF will be a critical building,” said May, “It will not only help our Service members, it is also going to help the commonwealth of Kentucky in case of emergencies.”

Franklin County Judge Executive Ted Collins was also on hand and said the facility was a great thing for the city and county and applauded Tonini and the Guard for the project’s design and location.

With more than 92,000 square feet of combined space, the new complex will provide protection for the Kentucky Guard’s UH-60 Blackhawk and OH-58 helicopter fleet, along with maintenance and training space for the crews that fly and work on them.  Kentucky Guard leadership said it will help ensure personnel and equipment are ready to respond to incidents and emergencies throughout the Commonwealth and in support of National Defense at home and abroad.

One person in attendance was retired Chief Warrant Officer William H. Canon Jr., who worked in both of the original facilities.

“I think this new building will be outstanding,” said Canon, “Having this new building will protect the aircraft from being damaged.”

Col. Brian Abney, Director of Aviation for Joint Force Headquarters thinks the new building will provide a more successful way to guard the aircraft and prepare for missions and believes each aviation unit is excited to make the move to a more modern facility.

“The new AASF will be a building that Soldiers and Airmen of the Kentucky National Guard will be proud of,” said Abney.

Issued by Spc. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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