Demolition

A bulldozer makes its way through the building that formerly housed the 20th Special Operations Squadron and wing plans and programs Dec. 6. The 14,000 square-foot building on Bennett Avenue was built in 1955 and is being demolished to make way for a new crash/rescue facility for the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services Flight. Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed in 17 months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jason Epley)

Old 20th SOS, XP building demolished

Published Dec. 8, 2007
By Master Sgt. Stuart Camp
1st SOW Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The walls came down on an ancient building Dec. 6.

Col. Brad Webb, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, struck the first blow against Bldg. 90736, formerly home to the 20th Special Operations Squadron and wing plans and programs organization, on the west side of the flight line.

Its demolition makes way for a new crash/rescue facility for the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services Flight.

After a few minutes of ripping down the roof, Colonel Webb stood and watched contractors reduce the building he once worked in to rubble.

"It was definitely needed," the commander said.

The 14,000 square-foot building on Bennett Avenue was built in 1955.

Amidst the dust and noise, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Blakely watched the demolition and anticipates completion of the new facility in about 17 months. The project has been on hold since 1994 awaiting military construction money.

By the end of the day, only a small portion of the old building remained standing.