ALBANY, Ga. – Marines, civilians and distinguished guests from the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany in Albany, Georgia, gathered to celebrate the official opening of a new ground fuel station during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, July 10.
The morning ceremony kicked off with remarks by Kelly Eadie-Leverette, director, logistics support division, MCLB Albany, followed by a keynote speech given by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew McKinney, base commander.
This successful Department of Defense fuels project was led by Scott Landy, construction manager, and Martin Munoz, contracting officer representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District’s defense fuels resident office.
Landy said that he likes to collaborate on these kinds of fuel projects and that a successful outcome depends largely on teamwork.
“The fact that I and our team can help to improve the quality and capability of this installation to better serve the warfighter is very rewarding,” Landy said. “Although challenging at times, I and the team are very glad that we were able to deliver a quality project back to the installation that will serve them for many years to come.”
Landy and Munoz said that the contractor experienced some initial setbacks while excavating due to underground utilities, but quickly addressed the concerns and work resumed.
“One of the rewarding aspects of the project was working with a resilient contractor who overcame significant challenges and never gave up,” Munoz said. “Also, working with the Marine Corps always presents uncommon challenges. They have a different business culture that we need to adapt to and overcome.”
Landy’s quality assurance oversight and partnering attitude with the stakeholders made a positive difference on the project, Munoz added.
“To finally see this project done and completely finished is a great success,” said Eadie-Leverette. “This new facility is fully automated; customers have no paperwork to fill out which will speed up the fueling process.”
The new facility will also enhance training and better support mission readiness across our area of responsibility, she added.
The project cost approximately $6.6 million and was completed in 14 months by Dawson Construction. The fuel tanks, pipelines and infrastructure conform to all EPA guidelines.
Following the ceremony, participants had the opportunity to tour the new facility and attend a reception luncheon.
The USACE Omaha District is recognized by the DoD as a Mandatory Center of Expertise for petroleum, oil, and lubricants, and is considered a leading authority for military fuel storage and delivery systems.
To learn more about the Omaha District’s defense fuels program, visit: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/About/Centers-of-Expertise/Fuel-Systems/