First phase of upgrades at RAF Lakenheath for USAF F-35s completed
Above: Mike Green and Colonel Jack Arthaud, accompanied by representatives of DIO and KVF35 as well as other members of the US Air Force, at the opening of the Corrosion Control Facility.
Courtesy DIO / Copyright US Air Force 2024
The facility, which was the final building to be finished, sees F-35s sprayed with a protective coating. It was opened by the Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Mike Green, alongside the US Air Force’s Colonel Jack Arthaud, Commander of 48th Fighter Wing.
DIO awarded the contract for the upgrade works to a joint venture of Kier and VolkerFitzpatrick, collectively known as KVF35, in November 2018 and construction began in July 2019. After the initial facilities were operational, the first F-35s arrived in December 2021.
The full programme to prepare for the F-35s included facilities to support both the aircraft and the additional personnel needed to operate them. The work included resurfacing the aircraft aprons for the station’s F-15s as well as building a new apron for the F-35s, building maintenance hangars, training facilities and storage areas, renovating office buildings and more.
Now this phase of works has completed, attention turns to a further round of improvement projects, including a new accommodation block which is currently under construction and a range of other facilities in the planning or design stages.
Mike Green, DIO’s Chief Executive, said: "It was a great pleasure to be part of the ribbon cutting for the Corrosion Control Facility, which marks the completion of a huge programme of work delivered by DIO and our contractors on behalf of the US Air Force.
"We look forward to continuing this relationship for the second phase of work, which is already underway."
Deon Scholtz, KVF35 JV Board Member, said: "The completion of RAF Lakenheath’s Corrosion Control Facility marks a significant achievement for the KVF35 team. Working in collaboration, we’ve delivered world-class facilities that will support the operational readiness of the F-35 fleet and strengthen the infrastructure at RAF Lakenheath. We’re proud to have contributed to this essential upgrade, enhancing support for the US Air Force’s new generation of aircraft and personnel."
