In a momentous occasion, NAS Fallon marked the official reopening of the Bravo Taxiway. After a three and a half-year reconstruction effort, the project is officially complete.
On November 28, NASF officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of the project, which has transformed the airfield's critical taxiway. The revitalized Bravo Taxiway involved a large-scale upgrade, incorporating 19,000 cubic yards of new concrete, improved lighting systems, and freshly painted runway markings. This extensive overhaul demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to maintaining cutting-edge infrastructure supporting vital air operations at NAS Fallon.
The structural integrity of the old runway was beginning to fail, and rebuilding became imperative. According to Gavin Graham, NASF Public Relations Officer, the project contract was awarded to Pave-Tech in March 2020, and work was underway by June. The total taxiway rebuild cost was around $18.6 million.
“The taxiway shoulders were thickened, increasing them from six inches to a foot,” said Graham. NASF Public Works Director, Lt. Dan Muller further explained that this was the first major renovation since Bravo’s construction in 1953. The improvements expanded the runway, making it both deeper and wider.
Additionally, construction crews worked through numerous challenges during the three-and-a-half-year-long project, not the least of which was Northern Nevada winters and difficult weather. While most of the work was handled by Pave-Tech, the local Naval Facilities Command and the Southwest Command (NAVFAC) played an essential role in the rebuild.
This endeavor's success is credited to various entities' collaborative efforts. During the ribbon-cutting, NAS Fallon extended its appreciation to Pave-Tech Inc. for their exceptional work in bringing the project to fruition. Gratitude was also extended to NAVFAC Southwest and the NAS Fallon Public Works Department for their invaluable support throughout the reconstruction process.
As NAS Fallon celebrates the completion of the Bravo Taxiway project, the enhanced facilities not only elevate operational capabilities but also contribute to the overall readiness of the base. This achievement reflects NAS Fallon's dedication to excellence in infrastructure development, reinforcing its role as a premier training center for the nation's military aviation forces.
Pictured below: Below: NASF Aircraft approaching new runway markings.
Photos courtesy of NAS Fallon.
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