BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Yesterday, the California Air National Guard celebrated the construction of a $6.1 million-dollar, 10,800 square-foot facility in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
The new headquarters building will house the 162nd Communication Group in a move that joins California Air National Guard with the active duty and reserve forces stationed on Beale.
"Co-locating with active and reserve components represents the future of the Air Force continuum of service," said Brig. Gen. Jon Kelk, California Air National Guard commander. "It's a great fit for us and for the total force."
Completion of this project also allows the Air Force and Air National Guard to close the North Highlands Air National Guard Station in Sacramento, saving approximately $3.3 million dollars in facilities operations and maintenance costs over the next five years.
"The new building is designed so we can not only improve our current operations," Kelk added, "but also grow as the Air Force adapts to new missions."
The 162nd Communications Group consists of the headquarters and nine geographically separated units that span across California, with four of those units already co-located at Beale.
"The Air Force has successfully integrated the three elements of the guard, reserve and active forces," said Rep. John Garamendi, 3rd Congressional District. "Today's event represents one more step in that direction."
The 162nd is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Its history is marked with contributions to all the modern conflicts our nation has faced while also responding to a wide array of national and state contingencies.
"We are excited about our new home," said Col. Marilyn Rios, 162nd Combat Communications Group commander. "We are fully committed to reinforcing our partnership with such an exceptional team of professionals here at Beale."