ALPENA, Mich. - After two years of construction, the new runway at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center officially reopened.
The project provided the best-designed solution for military aircraft operations at the Northern Michigan airfield, making it capable of supporting even the most advanced aircraft in the military’s inventory: the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, the KC-46 Pegasus refueling aircraft and the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kramer II, Michigan Air National Guard assistant adjutant general, told an audience of local, county and state officials the project is nothing short of miraculous.
“The $60 million of infrastructure improvements at the Alpena CRTC goes a long way, not only for the community and the revenue this runway brings, but is also an investment in our national security,” Kramer said. “This project says a lot about what we value, especially with regard to our military training environment.”
The two-year project, funded by the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration, included a multi-agency partnership to repair the entire primary runway at Alpena County Regional Airport, supporting military and commercial aircraft.
John Kozlowski, chairman of the Alpena County Board of Commissioners, said the project will enhance operations at the CRTC and the airport and “connect the people, business and community in ways that last a lifetime.”
The project relocated a new aircraft arresting system to ensure the Alpena CRTC can support fighter aircraft while ensuring the safety of commercial and general aviation aircraft.
The project employed more than 20 companies and over 350 workers and suppliers, most of them Michigan-based.
“Team Alpena, you’ve come together to help us ready for the challenges of the future,” said Col. Michael Whitefoot, Alpena CRTC commander. “This runway gives us the foundation to scale forward.”
The Alpena CRTC provides an all-season training center for military service members, emergency responders and coalition forces to meet the mission requirements of combatant commanders and civil authorities. Established as an Air National Guard base in 1953, the Alpena CRTC comprises approximately 200 personnel.