Security Forces open new complex Published Oct. 11, 2007 By Airman David Dobrydney 45th SW Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 45th Security Forces Squadron officially opened its new home on Patrick Drive with a ribbon cutting Oct. 5. The squadron accepted the $7.5 million, 25,000-square-foot building July 10. The old security forces building dated back to the World War II era as a barracks for the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) program when Patrick AFB was the Banana River Naval Air Station. However, what was adequate more than 60 years ago is antiquated now. In addition, the old building had sustained damage from recent hurricanes. "The new building replaces one that was old, undersized and sub-standard and did not meet the current Air Force or National Fire Protection Association Standards for shower/bath facilities or for the fire suppression system," said Frank Todd, project manager for the construction. "The new state-of-the-art facility provides adequate space for control elements, law enforcement, resource protection functions, personnel security, reports and analysis, and all security forces training," he added. In addition, the location of the new building in the middle of the base allows for a better response time to all parts of the base, compared to the location of the old facility. The old building is now empty and roped off. It will be demolished and the site will remain undeveloped. "The old facility lies in clear violation of the airfield safety clearance zone," said Mr. Todd. "No occupied facility can be built there." Capt. Sean Lovell, operations officer for the 45th SFS, supervised the overall project and is proud of the results. "Everyone in the unit is extremely happy to be in the new building," he said. "Definitely a plus in the morale side of the house." Captain Lovell said that the old building was turned over to the Air Force in 1954, with the security forces taking residence in 1989. "We were in the old building for quite a while; we were glad to get out of there," said Captain Lovell. "This is the best security forces building I've been in since I came into the Air Force."