Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. – Moving offices is a chore. It’s a disruptive and time-consuming process to make it feel like a comfortable workspace. But moving into a state-of-the-art facility with a “new office smell” makes it worthwhile.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s Network Enterprise Center (NEC) team feels right at home after celebrating a ribbon cutting for a new $46 million Information Systems Facility (ISF) on Nov. 6 – marking a significant upgrade supporting the NEC’s 24/7 network defense and information technology/management mission.
Leadership and representatives across JBLM Army Garrison, First (I) Corps, NETCOM, 7th Signal Command, 106th Signal Brigade, 62nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Walsh Construction filled the seating area to celebrate a new “one-stop shop” for the installation’s communications customer support.
With a smile on his face, JBLM Army Garrison Commander Col. Kent Park told the crowd how exemplary the NEC team is.
“Our communications are phenomenal. Other than scheduled down times, I don’t remember my network every going down except when there was an operator error,” said Park. “And all the old colonels here may or may not account for probably half the [trouble] tickets. We’re getting old and forgetful, so we all appreciate the NEC team’s patience, hard work and dedication.”
While technological advancements for cellphones and artificial intelligence seemingly move at lightning speeds, construction projects move at a snail’s pace comparatively.
As a 100% designed and managed USACE Seattle District project, there were unique hurdles to clear: navigating through unique project requirements and code criteria, network requirements, understanding security profiles and zones and more.
“We overcame these obstacles because the Corps of Engineers are the Nation’s engineering experts and trusted DoD partner,” remarked Col. Sanborn, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District commander. “Let me emphasize that word, partner. Turnover of this facility required tremendous effort and collaboration between USACE Seattle District, our Walsh contractor team, JBLM Directorate of Public Works, NETCOM and the Network Enterprise Center.”
JBLM NEC Director Amy Ridgeway followed the project from the beginning and understands the long road it took to get the “keys to building.” From her new office, she manages a facility providing IT/IM services to 40,000 active, guard and reserve service members and 15,000 civilian workers.
“When I became NEC director in 2010, [our team] was in five different buildings and now we’re mostly located in one centrally positioned building,” remarked Ridgeway. “It takes a village to build an ISF and this move represents so much more than a change of address. It’s a strategic step towards great collaboration, increased efficiency and enhanced support by the NEC team while increasing our synergy and morale.”
The ribbon cutting joins a series of recent USACE-led projects on behalf of JBLM Directorate of Public Works: new barracks for Yakima Training Center-based soldiers, groundbreaking the U.S. Army’s first sustainable materials pilot project, and first construction phase to replace failing creek culverts along McChord Field.
Sanborn jokingly told the audience it won’t be the last time she shares the stage with JBLM leadership to celebrate a project milestone, echoing their strong partnership. “Now more than ever, our military construction partners are poised to leverage our engineering and design expertise, and together we’re building a better, more resilient future for our Nation’s Army.”