Commando Auditorium opens its doors

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angela Shepherd
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  After being shut down last year due to poor movie attendance, the base theater has reopened its doors with a fresh makeover, a new name and a revised purpose.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony April 28 celebrated the official opening of Commando Auditorium. Now owned by the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Squadron's Airman & Family Readiness Center, the auditorium will be the venue to more than just movies and the occasional commander's call.

"We are confident this new, multi-functional facility will meet any number of Team Hurlburt needs," said Capt. Charri Leonard, A&FRC flight commander. "We envision this new facility will be used for a wide variety of events ... for promotion events, mass training and briefings, graduations, concerts, holiday programs and even video conferences between families at Hurlburt Field and their loved ones overseas."

The auditorium closed in November 2007 to allow for the three-phase, $200,000 renovation which included the installation of telephone and network lines, new high-end audio, projection and camera equipment for both audiovisual and video-teleconferencing capabilities, new lighting and control systems, a new podium with audio and video controls, a remodeled snack bar with custom-made counters and modern appliances to include a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and ice machine. 

Also included in the renovation were upgrades to the interior of the auditorium to include new flooring and removal of all 232 theater seats, which were replaced with 224 auditorium style seats with lift-up tables to accommodate mass training.

"The Commando Auditorium is now ready to officially open for business and serve the Hurlburt community for many years to come," Captain Leonard said.

The project started under the direction of Bill Lawson, former A&FRC director. After Mr. Lawson transferred to a new assignment, according to Captain Leonard, Mark Monno of the A&FRC worked diligently to execute the original vision.

"There was a great deal of coordination between all of the contractors and base agencies involved in the renovation project," Mr. Monno said. "It was a lot of hard work, and I was glad to be part of another team effort returning a much needed facility and its services to the Hurlburt community."

To schedule an event at Commando Auditorium, call Ruthy Srun at 884-5441.