MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Nishimatsu Construction Company hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovations to Buildings 1191 and 1200 here Oct. 5.
A Shinto priest gave a traditional ceremonial blessing for a safe construction project that will take place for roughly one year.
The contract was awarded for the project in early May of this year and construction will commence immediately.
Nishimatsu Construction Company has worked with many U.S. military installations in Japan, to include Misawa Air Base, Yokota Air Base and Kadena Air Base.
“It is our intention to provide the best possible means to deliver a quality product and meet the satisfaction of the U.S. government,” said Eiji Hirata, vice president of Nishimatsu Construction Company.
“The renovations being made to these buildings are long overdue,” said Lt. Pil Park, assistant resident officer-in-charge of construction. “They have been looked over for about 20 years now, and it’s time to do something about it.”
The facilities are slated for completion in November 2011 and both will be receiving makeovers to the interior and exterior, including changes to the kitchens, bathrooms, appliances and furniture.
Cmdr. Jason Zeda, resident officer-incharge of construction says that he plans on building the foundation of this project on respect, communication and trust between the military and Japanese workers.
“With these behaviors and attitudes in place, we can further build upon our foundation,” said Zeda.
He added that this will result in a quality project, completed on time and within budget, which will delight the future families and residents that will call Building 1200 and Building 1191 home.
Park and Zeda also both added that the changes will greatly improve the day-to-day lives of each and every resident that will someday stay in one of the buildings.
“We are not simply renovating these two facilities,” said Zeda. “We are setting out on an endeavor which will affect the quality of life for those who will come to Iwakuni over the next 20 years or so.”
There will be many days of hard work ahead to accomplish the task, but soon new facilities will be available for both single Marines and families to enjoy and call their new home.