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Vandenberg welcomes new education center
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new education center was recently held here, Feb. 27.
After many years of planning and construction starting in August of 2012, the ribbon was officially cut to welcome a new state-of-the-art education center. The new facility replaces a 60 year-old elementary school campus, built in 1959 which served as the base's education center.
"The old facility had limited factors for future satellite and distance learning objectives," said Barbara Bennie, 30th Force Support Squadron force development flight chief.
The new facility is situated in a centralized location adjacent to the enlisted dorms, the main gate and military family housing for members' convenience.
"Now that we have this amazing facility, people that are charged with defending our nation have the education opportunity they need to do their jobs in a much better way than they would if they just relied on training outside of the Air Force," said Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander. "To me that is what this gorgeous building represents."
The large structure includes a 75 seat auditorium, 20 lecture classrooms, conference rooms, computer laboratories, space for educational functions and offices for career assistance advisers. In addition, the building will house local colleges.
"With the commander's priorities of people, mission and innovation, it's really important for our Air Force to support our people and their education," said Lt. Col. Gregory Marty, 30th FSS commander. "It builds confidence and our educated troops will perform their job better. It really hits all of our priorities here at Vandenberg."