The Armed Forces of Malta this morning held an inauguration ceremony of the refurbished and upgraded Hangar 3 (ex-RAF Hangar) and Supporting Facilities at the AFM Air Wing.
The AFM Commander, Brigadier J. Curmi addressed those present at the ceremony where he thanked all the personnel who were involved in the project which will host the two newly acquired AW 139 helicopters. Brigadier Curmi stated that the investment of more than 2 million euro was done to bring the Air Wing facilities to a standard that would reflect the technologically advanced assets recently purchased by the AFM and improve personnel environment.
The Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds and 2017 Presidency, Dr. Ian Borg praised the hard work that is being done while he encouraged the AFM to continue tapping in EU funds which amount to 53 million which would be available for Malta for this financial framework.
The Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Dr Emanuel Mallia said that this project can be described as "a dream come true" for the AFM . The hangar, the Minister said, is a monument that reflects the hard work being done by the Force to assure National Security and border control. These vital roles for the country need the highest possible standards for the maintenance of the modern air assets which will be provided by this new investment. The Minister also thanked the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta for the sterling work being done to improve the working conditions of the AFM personnel and reiterated the possibility for AFM personnel to join a Worker's Union of their choice.
The Project
The overall objective of the project was to improve the existing infrastructure and supporting facilities at Air Wing, enhancing aircraft parking facilities and aircraft maintenance space. The project provides technical personnel with the required ground support facilities to maintain the aviation element in a constant ready status and in a position to deploy on external border control missions beyond territorial waters and contiguous zone when required. The works saw total renovation and construction of an area covering 1500m2
This project was extended in due course to include the full refurbishment of the adjacent Aviation Warehouse and the construction of a new dedicated building equipped for the management of the avionics. This allowed for increasing office floor space and storage capacity of the base to the original scope of the project.
The components of the project were as follows:
Refurbishment of the Ex RAF Hangar (Main Project)
Upgraded facilities to house the helicopters procured through EBF2012 and EBF 2013. The existing metal structure of the hangar was refurbished and reinstalled. The walls were refurbished to highlight the characteristics of the old RAF hangar coupled with the modern steel structures. Finally the building was fitted with a new hangar door and the floor covered with weight resistant material and underlying services.
Construction of supporting offices, accommodation and reception centre
The building adjacent to the other existing hangar and opposite to the Ex RAF hangar was also refurbished and an overlying storey was added to create a modern office space and accommodation for the staff working in the Hangar. Furniture was also bought to complete these offices.
Guard Room and Work Shops refurbishment
Re-design and modernization of the former guard room quarters was carried out to match with the new structures erected adding a mix of steel and traditional Maltese stone. This was refurbished internally to become a modern barracks for the guarding personnel in charge of the security of this area.
Refurbishment of Aviation warehouse
The warehouse that houses stores related to Aircraft maintenance was totally refurbished with services including a fire fighting system and new offices for the personnel employed here.
Demolition and construction of Avionics Building
A new building spread on two floors dedicated to avionics control areas has been erected which also provided accommodation and office space for personnel.
This project, which was coordinated by the Logistics Branch at HQ AFM, headed by Col. P. Vassallo and administered by Lt. Col. C. Attard and Lt. Col. R. Vella.
The Ex RAF hangar project was funded through the General Programme: Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007-2013 with a co-financing rate of 75% EU Funds and 25% National Funds.