The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade’s new aircraft maintenance hangar at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, Oct. 29.

Lt. Col. Stephan Bolton, the Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, said the event represents the beginning of a long-term reinvestment in Hunter Army Airfield and the local community.

“There are currently 13 hangars on Hunter Army Airfield that have served our aviation community for many decades,” said Bolton. “They have served us well, but we are very happy to start a long-term investment program to replace them with modern facilities for our aviators.”

The 119,500-square-foot facility will be home to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, and it is designed to enhance the unit’s ability to perform maintenance on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The project is scheduled to be completed in October 2023, with funding totaling approximately $56.25 million. The new hangar will feature maintenance shops, administrative space, storage and various site improvements.

“The new hangar will have all of the amenities necessary to let our aircrews and mechanics perform maintenance to keep our aircraft functioning properly,” said Bolton. “This is the first of many to come, providing a tremendous high quality workspace and quality of life for our Soldiers.”

Col. Eric Vanek, commander of the 3rd CAB, said that today marks the next chapter in Hunter Army Airfields storied history.

“In 1954, during the construction of Hangar 860, it was impossible for anyone to predict the impact it would have on the defense of our nation,” said Vanek. “From housing Air Force B-52 Bombers in support of World War II, to maintaining a fleet of helicopters ready to deploy, fight and win the nation’s wars if called upon, all while withstanding the impacts of severe weather conditions in coastal Georgia.”

Vanek said that although the hangars have served a great purpose, it’s time to rebuild and reinvest in the critical infrastructure on Hunter Army Airfield.

“With a constant demand for Army aviation, Hunter Army Airfield will remain a critical node to deploy combat ready forces to defend the nation,” said Vanek. “Making investments in facilities like this will allow Soldiers to deploy rapidly around the world if the nation calls.”