AFWA dedicates new headquarters facility

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • AFWA Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  With clear blue skies overhead and the sun reflecting beautifully off its windows, members of the Air Force Weather Agency officially dedicated their new $30-million headquarters building during a ribbon cutting ceremony here Aug. 22. 

The new building was dedicated to Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Moorman and is one of Air Combat Command's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green rated facilities. General Moorman served 20 of his 37 year military career in weather operations and was the Air Weather Service commander from 1954 to 1958. 

"We could not have picked a better individual to name this building after," said Dr. Fred Lewis, director of Air Force Weather. "I got to meet General Moorman one time and ... he gave an inspiring speech that I still remember today about the importance of good weather support. He was a great warfighter and a great American." 

AFWA leaves behind the historical, but windowless, 1940s-era Martin Bomber Building that they've called home for more than 40 years. 

"This event marks a major milestone for Air Force weather," said Col. John Murphy, AFWA commander. "Not only do we have a brand new, shiny building here, but we have one with windows." 

In attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony was Sen. Ben Nelson and representatives from the offices of Sen. Chuck Hagel and Rep. Lee Terry. 

"Without people like Senator Nelson, Senator Hagel and Representative Terry pushing for this project, I wouldn't be standing here today," Colonel Murphy said. "On behalf of all the men and women of AFWA, and all those that have worked at weather units hidden away from the very elements they were charged with observing and forecasting, thank you for this spectacular building." 

"I'm proud that the agency is headquartered right here at Offutt, in our home state of Nebraska," Sen. Nelson said. "Air Force weather has a long and storied history ... and I can't think of a better place to house this talented crew." 

The new 188,000 square foot facility will help the agency consume between 50 and 60 percent less energy compared to a typical office building of its size. This includes improving environmental efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, improving recycling capabilities and employing the latest energy efficiency practices to conserve electricity. 

"Standing here today I can't help but think how impressed my dad would be not only with this facility, but also with the warrior spirit of all the troops here," said retired Gen. Thomas S. Moorman Jr., who spoke at the ceremony. "I only hope that people will be inspired by his career and his example and honor his service." 

More than 650 AFWA personnel moved from the Martin Bomber Building to the new facility; more than two months ahead of schedule. 

"I want to thank everyone from AFWA," Colonel Murphy said. "Our forces around the globe have no idea that AFWA has moved and that is truly a testimony to your hard work, your dedication, and your commitment to excellence." 

The new building was designed by Kenneth Hahn Architects and built as a military construction project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District by the Kiewit Building Group.