By Mike Finney

DOVER — The 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base is home to the C-5M Super Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

So, it is only fitting that the base is now the site of an equally impressive massive 84,176-square-foot hangar to maintain the base’s fleet of C-5s and C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes.

The hangar was christened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Col. William McDonald, commander of the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and other dignitaries Monday morning.

“This is so encouraging. It’s going to mean so much for our airmen,” said Col. McDonald. “This is a way for our airmen to not only improve the readiness to get these aircraft flying more quickly, but also to improve quality of life for our airmen.

“So, now they’re going to be able to work on these aircraft completely enclosed and they’re not out doing that work in the elements.”

The sparkling new hangar, which is the first built on Dover Air Force Base since 1983, on the north end of the base, is a single bay, fully enclosed fuel cell hangar.

Fuel cell hangars are designed with special ventilation allowing repairs to fuel intake systems. The hangar has state-of-the-art fire, mechanical and electrical safety measures built in to ensure the safety of the maintainers working on the aircraft.

A C-5 can fit completely inside the hangar. The planes previously had to have maintenance completed in smaller hangars in which the rear of the aircraft actually stuck out in the elements.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Beeman, who works for the Army Corps of Engineers for Philadelphia, played a vital role — along with other members of his team — in turning the dream into a reality.

“Our team knows the mission set at Dover is unique, sacred and vital to our nation,” Lt. Col. Beeman said. “I can tell you this is highly motivating for our engineers and construction team members who are making things happen in the field.

“They understand that the facilities we build here have global importance.”

Lt. Col. Beeman thanked several groups for their efforts in helping the Army Corps of Engineers get the job done.

Those groups included Dover AFB personnel for their frequent coordination; Michael Baker International for their design work; and Archer Western Federal Joint Venture and their subcontractors for constructing a the project safely.

“With any construction project, there are challenges,” said Lt. Col. Beeman. “I think it’s gratifying for teams to overcome obstacles and push forward to achieve a greater result.

“So, I’d encourage everyone involved with this project to take a moment to appreciate this milestone before moving on to your next challenge.”

Sen. Coons said the opening of the new hangar finishes what has been a 10-year appropriation journey, as well as a 20-year jump from when the need for the hangar was first identified.

The senator recalled the groundbreaking ceremony for the hangar back in 2020, on a rainy day t, as opposed to Monday’s sun-filled skies and warm temperatures.

“You know that feeling when you crack open the door of a brand-new car, or when you get a new cellphone, or a new computer, or a new house,” Sen. Coons said. “I hope everyone takes a moment to enjoy the new hangar smell. It is spotless. It is perfect. It is impressive.

“This is $41.2 million of taxpayer investment in Dover Air Force Base and it’s only possible because of you. This is a great moment. This ribbon cutting is a recognition that Dover has and will continue to have an essential mission to the safety and security of the United States.”

The hangar also resolves previous logistical and operational challenges, increasing Dover AFB’s ability to provide rapid global mobility.

“This hangar helps ensure Dover airmen are able to keep our aircraft ready for the challenges of today and into the future,” Col. McDonald said. “It furthers our capability to deliver – anytime, anywhere.”