RAF Mildenhall renovates dormitories

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Webb
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As quickly as a snowball rolling downhill, dormitories on RAF Mildenhall can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust and damage if they aren't taken care of.

Due to the wear and tear created by a steady flow of residents over the years, many dormitories, such as Dormitory 215, require renovations to stay in top condition for the next Airmen.

Renovations of the 40-year-old dormitory began with the replacement of pipes and fixtures in 36 showers, said Master Sgt. Joseph Valenzuela, RAF Mildenhall Senior Airmen Dormitory Leader. The outdated pipes and fixtures were leaking, causing numerous problems for the Airmen living there.

After the showers were repaired, the carpet tiles were replaced in each room, Valenzuela said. The carpets were several years old and showed signs of wear. In order to maintain the integrity of the dormitories, the renovations were necessary.

In the future, once the large portions of the renovations are complete, Airmen dormitory leaders plan to clean each room to ensure zero debris from construction is left behind, Valenzuela said. This will give inbound Airmen the cleanest room possible.

Dormitory 215 is scheduled to house new Airmen by the end of the summer. As of mid-June, 12 rooms are complete. Airmen from Dormitory 111 will move into the recently renovated rooms before construction starts on their dorm.

Dormitory 111 will have its water lines replaced. The original tubing in the building is too thin, causing the pipes to leak, said Valenzuela, a native of El Paso, Texas. The plumbing is being replaced with newer, thicker, copper pipes which will help prevent further leaks. Water valves in the dorm are also earmarked for replacement.

"To work on the pipes with the old valve system, water to the entire dorm had to be cut," Valenzuela said. "With the new valve system, it will be possible to shut down just the room that needs work, which is much better for the Airmen living there."

With more dormitory renovations planned within the next few years, Team Mildenhall Airmen can expect to see an improved quality of life in the dorms.