Building for the future while preserving the past

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Last year, RAF Mildenhall spent nearly $20 million on renovations to help preserve base heritage while building for the future.
"RAF Mildenhall addresses historical preservation in a proactive and sustainable manner, which is compatible with accomplishing our mission," said Martin Lewis, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron, deputy base civil engineer, via e-mail. "We are making major investments in many of our facilities at RAF Mildenhall, extending their life and ensuring they will be used for the next 20 to 40 years."
RAF Mildenhall has established architectural standards that seek to maintain the 1930s appearance of several buildings on base, to include the"400 area" buildings around Washington Square and the "500 area" between 3rd Air Force headquarters and the flightline.
"We restore the exterior of these facilities in the appearance similar to that originally built, while updating their internal layouts and systems to the 21st century," said Mr. Lewis.

Recently, RAF Mildenhall competed a total internal renovation of Building 450 at a cost of $3.3 million. The base is also currently doing construction renovation on Buildings 464 and 435 with a combined cost of more than $5 million.

"The investment in restoration and modernization for many of our facilities at RAF Mildenhall provides sustainable and energy efficient facilities which support our mission requirements, whether administrative, logistical or operational," said Mr. Lewis.

Although historical preservation is important, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that require a different set of actions.

"We are constantly faced with the challenge of balancing mission need, available funding, and the desire to recognize and preserve our heritage," said Mr. Lewis.
A recent example is the decision to demolish Building 538.
"Building 538 was a 'C'-type aircraft shed, one of three, built in 1935," said Mark Howell 100th Air Refueling Wing historian.

The building was in violation of airfield safety criteria, due to its proximity to the runway. Also, it was surplus to base requirements and due to size, well beyond economical repair to bring it up to current building standards.

"Since there were two like it on RAF Mildenhall, and several standing on other air fields, it was not considered truly unique," said Mr. Howell.

There is a better example of this building type on RAF Bicester, which has already been listed and identified for protection in accordance with RAF and United Kingdom regulations. Also, the two identical facilities on RAF Mildenhall have had significant investments recently, and plans remain for their use for decades to come.

"After extremely careful consideration and due process, the Ministry of Defence and Defence Estates elected to contract its removal, taking the greatest care to maintain or secure several historical artifacts on or near the site," said Mr. Howell.

In December 2010, the Suffolk County Council archaeological department conducted a site survey and logged any points of interest before the demolition. Significant mementos from inside the facility or items affiliated with the building and site have been removed or protected where feasible. Also, they will carry out an archaeological survey on the site once the demolition is complete.

"While faced with the need to fulfill our mission, we will always try our best preserve the bases original facilities and the proud heritage they represent," said Lt. Col. Matt Greene, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

There are future renovation projects planned and awaiting funding for Buildings 447, 440, 460 and 427. These projects will continue to keep RAF Mildenhall mission-ready whilst preserving the base's rich heritage.