Fitness center to stay open Published Sept. 15, 2006 By Dylan Laurie 16th SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- The Commando Fitness Center will remain open and unchanged for the foreseeable future, 16th Services Squadron officials announced Sept. 6. The Commando was set to close to make room for a larger physical therapy clinic. "The physical therapy office at Hurlburt is undersized for the mission it supports," said Capt. Brian Rendell, 16th Services Squadron Combat Support Flight commander. "They approached the wing facilities board to see if it was possible to relocate to the existing Commando Fitness Center to expand services. However, it was decided at the facilities board that such a move would not occur at the expense of closing the existing Commando Fitness Center." Col. Timothy Leahy, 16th Special Operations Wing vice commander, talked about the decision to keep the Commando Fitness Center open. "It has capabilities the other facilities don't, like a rock climbing wall and a Mom and Toddlers room," Colonel Leahy said. "Also, when the Commando is closed, the other facilities become overcrowded." Patrons of the Commando Fitness Center were glad to hear that it was staying open. "I go to the fitness center about three days a week because it is more convenient for me and I like the space," said Howard Jackson, 16th Communications Squadron. "The fitness center has larger lockers and more space in the locker room." "The customers are ecstatic," said Staff Sgt. Jill Larson, 16th Services Squadron Commando Fitness Center staff. "They were really upset about it closing. From the moment they heard the rumor about it closing, they sprung into action, writing letters and making phone calls." The Commando Fitness Center's hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 884-4412.