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Hangar 1200 gets dressed to impress

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Every Airman on base has surely stepped foot in Hangar 1200 at sometime; for a commander's call, processing through the transition area during Phase II exercises or turning wrenches on the 20,000-pound icon of Shaw on a daily basis. 

Airmen may have noticed the flightline mural spanning 80 feet across the east wall upon entering the hangar. However, many have not passed through the double doors underneath the mural to see the ongoing process of creating a ceremonial-suited edifice. 

Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, made the decision to turn a portion of Hangar 1200 into a ceremonial center in August, 2007, and the renovations began in March, 2008. 

"The ceremonial stage and reception area in Hangar 1200 were assembled and built to accommodate Team Shaw's many ceremonies and gatherings--from changes of command, to retirements and commander's calls," Colonel Post said. 

"Several projects have already been completed in the hangar," said Tech. Sgt. Peter St. Onge, assistant project manager. 

A team of three Shaw Airmen painted the mural, symbolizing Shaw's past and future with the first aircraft to arrive on Shaw up to the anticipated arrival of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The same team also painted the Air Force emblem on the hangar floor. The emblem is directly in front center of the new ceremonial stage, backed by new curtains and one impressively-sized American Flag. 

The hangar is now also equipped with a $27,000 public announcement system, Sergeant St. Onge said. 

Currently, a six-man team is working to complete the Distinguished Visitor's Lounge before the Shawfest air show. 

Col. Robert Hopkins, 20th Maintenance Group commander, brought the plan for the DV Lounge to Master Sgt. James Albright, project manager, four months ago. 

"Colonel Hopkins came in and gave me his idea of what he wanted; a cross between how the (Carolina Skies) Club looks and an early American theme," Sergeant Albright said. 

Initially, an eight-man team of Airmen from the Maintenance Group was organized for the project. 

"The hardest part, like any job, was the planning process," Sergeant St. Onge said.
Sergeant St. Onge completed the proper self-help project paperwork requesting materials from the Civil Engineering Squadron and submitted plans to be reviewed. 

The initial team working on the DV Lounge didn't have a lot of experience, Sergeant Albright said. 

"The lacking of (construction) experience dissolved and the team learned as they went. They came together as a unit," he said. "Each team member brought something to the table." 

"We've knocked out walls, rebuilt walls, painted, redid the ceiling, put up molding; we've pretty much done it all," said Senior Airman Lucas Brooks, team member. 

Perhaps the most striking feature of the DV Lounge is the hand-made mahogany bar that Master Sgt. Clarence Foster, former team member, built in 44 days. 

The team also put new doors and framing up in the lounge. They literally moved walls to create the dimensions of the room and separate the support section from the lounge, Sergeant St. Onge said. 

"I think the end product is exceeding any of the expectations we or leadership had," Sergeant Albright said. 

The next project for the team is remodeling the restrooms. They have already begun demolition. 

"The hangar has hosted a Secretary of the Air Force Airmen's Call, a Team Shaw Thanksgiving celebration and six of the 20th Fighter Wing's recent Squadron changes of command. It serves its purpose well," Colonel Post said.