AFSPC/CV sees 8-year vision come to light Published July 24, 2009 By Valerie Mullett 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- A ground-breaking ceremony for a Community Activities Center at Malmstrom was held July 21 putting into motion a plan that originated in 2001. Representatives for the Montana Congressional Delegation along with Air Force Space Command Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, dug the honorary first shovels full of dirt. "This is a project that has been in the design and thinking stages for a long time," said Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander. "And it is no accident that Gen. Deppe is here to do the honors. It was his vision when he was the wing commander here to get this facility built." "This was the number one project in Air Force Space Command in 2001," General Deppe said. "Then 9/11 happened and all construction projects were scrubbed to support the war efforts - and rightly so. This is going to be a great facility that is long overdue here and I am really honored to be a part of this." The more than 22,000-square foot facility will house a multi-purpose conference room, smaller meeting and activity rooms, a small cafeteria and a lounge, according to Bill McLaughlin, Chief of the Engineering Flight for the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. "The greatest feature of the new facility is going to be the capability to hold commander's calls and conferences in it," Mr. McLaughlin said. "With a capacity of 600, that is double what the theater can hold and the 3-Bay (Hangar) just isn't conducive for this type of gathering." Construction is expected to take 18 months at a cost of $7 million. Jackson Construction of Missoula, Mont., has been awarded the contract to build the CAC. "We will be mobilizing over the next few weeks and then construction will begin," said Greg Hebner, vice president for Jackson Construction and project manager for this job. "I expect we will hire 50 to 60 employees from the immediate local area."