Base improves runway safety --
Ribbon cutting event denotes runway improvements

Friday, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m. NAVAIR Lakehurst will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony to reopen runway 6-24 closed for resurfacing since June. This is one of two runways used routinely for commuter flights linking the base to its headquarters at NAVAIR Patuxent River, MD, as well as flights supporting mission critical operations of Lakehurst tenant organizations like the Army Communications and Electronic Command (CECOM) and the Department of Justice.

The runway improvements will also enable NAVAIR Lakehurst to host the US Air Force’s newest transport aircraft, the C-17, beginning in 2004. At that time a C-17 squadron based at McGuire AFB will utilize aviation pavements at Lakehurst to conduct pilot takeoff and landing training.

During the project, significant cracks were repaired and a portion of the old surface was removed. A new weaving surface of 2 ½ inch thick bituminous pavement was overlaid on the original runway. With a new surface and new markings, the runway will again support air operations at the base.

Captain Dwight L. Cousins, the base commanding officer and Captain Mark L. Bathrick, the base executive officer plan to be part of the ceremony and will be available afterward.

This runway renovation is an important milestone in maintaining the infrastructure necessary to assure the future of the base, which includes initiatives in support of Naval Aviation, the recently established Department of Defense Northern Command and the emerging US Department of Homeland Security.

Media representatives are welcome to cover the ceremony and may meet at the visitor center parking lot in front of the main entrance no later than 10:00 a.m. to allow time to drive through the base and set-up.

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