An ongoing revitalization of quarters on U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll funded by Army Family Housing will equip future residents with modern conveniences and extend the use of garrison housing for years to come.
Personnel from USAG-KA Command, the USAG-KA Directorate of Public Works and LOGCAP met Nov. 19 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the refurbished Quarters 436—the first of 31 housing units approved by Installation Management Command for revitalization.
Part of the island’s historic U.S. Navy construction, each unit in the two-story duplex now features a full-sized bathtub; split system air conditioner; modern kitchen appliances; luminous light fixtures; new cabinetry and contemporary windows; additional storage areas; and a garbage disposal and dishwasher.
Work on the island’s housing began after Installation Management Command granted project approval in July, and continues this week, as logistics crews perform upkeep on utilities lines. As the refurbishment cycle progresses through the coming months, additional units will be available for occupancy.
“Work is underway on an additional two dwelling units, with construction scheduled to start on four more units in January 2022,” said USAG-KA Chief Engineer Jacqueline Phelon, of the project. “LOGCAP is making steady progress thus far.”
Among Phelon’s contributions to the revitalization project are requirements and estimation development; advocacy to the AFH Branch Division at U.S. Installation Management Command; the address of compliance issues related to AFH regulations; and the administration of myriad tasks related to the LOGCAP contract.
The refurbishment project “corrects many of the issues frequently encountered with 1950s-era construction,” Phelon said, as original construction materials “do not consistently comply with modern environmental and safety requirements.”
Improved construction aside, future island residents can also look forward to the fresh new look of the revitalized units—stylish, modernized homes away from home. Currently, many quarters feature an array of old fixtures and systems, each presenting unique challenges to occupants and maintenance teams.
Shawn Galica, LOGCAP Department of Public Works carpentry supervisor, expressed enthusiasm for Qtrs. 436 and how its new features have transformed the home.
“One hundred percent of the fixtures in the household are new,” said Galica, of Qtrs. 436. “Not one piece of lumber, electrical line, trim, light or appliance is old. They are all brand new.”
This timely retrofit for USAG-KA is sure to improve the overall quality of life for future occupants. Galica takes pride in the first reactions shared during the tour.
“The greatest thing on the walk-through was how much the USAG-KA team loved the bathrooms,” Galica said. “[These houses will] all have full tubs. They were really astonished.”
