WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 509th Civil Engineer Squadron re-opened the Atlantis Hall dormitory in March 2019 after a year and a half of renovations at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
The renovations completely overhauled the building and will be the standard for the future renovations of the other five dorm buildings, starting with Endeavor Hall.
Staff Sgt. Bradley Muth, the Atlantis Hall airman dorm leader (ADL) with the 509th CES discussed the reopening of Atlantis Hall, listing some of the major renovations:
- All new furniture for common areas and bedrooms
- Renovated bathrooms with walk-in showers
- Moisture-controlled and blast-proof sealed windows
- New fire alarm, security and mass notification systems
Muth said Airmen often ask about the new security system in the dormitory.
He explained that the new entry control system uses the resident’s CAC (Common Access Card) for facility and room entry.
“All doors are self-locking, meaning that Airmen must keep their CAC with them at all times,” said Muth. “If an Airman does lock their CAC in their room, there is a kiosk in the common area that allows them to program a card for temporary access into their individual rooms.”
The next facility being renovated is Endeavour Hall, Building 1559, with construction expecting to start in May of this year.
“Future facility renovations are scheduled over the next several years with the next one currently projected in fiscal year 2023,” said Muth.
The Airmen who were living in Endeavor Hall were moved to Atlantis Hall to allow these renovations to move forward.
Airman 1st Class Keoua Foust, a client systems technician with the 509th Communications Squadron, is one of the new residents of Atlantis Hall.
Foust described the new facilities as nicer than the old ones with new furniture that makes it feel more like home. He also talked about the carpets being cleaner and odor-free compared to those at Endeavor Hall.
Muth said the CES ADL team hopes the Airmen living in Atlantis enjoy their time there and are available to help the Airmen with living concerns, mentorship and guidance.
“The renovations of Whiteman’s dorm facilities show that the living conditions and standards of our Airman is a high priority for Whiteman leadership,” said Muth. “Providing a home that they are comfortable in, safe in and proud of will have a positive effect on morale, productivity and career satisfaction of our youngest Airmen.”