Rhode Island Air National Guard breaks ground on new headquarters complex
Sen. Jack Reed was joined by several members of the 143rd Airlift Wing for the official groundbreaking of its new headquarters complex. (Rhode Island National Guard)
QUONSET, R.I. (WLNE) — The 143d Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island Air National Guard broke ground on a new headquarters complex at Quonset Air National Guard Base.
The new building will be approximately 43,000 square feet and will include command and support staff offices, medical testing area, a recruiting office, and a state-of-the-art dining facility.
It will replace the current facility which was constructed in 1941.
Wing Commander Col. Adam Wiggins dedicated the groundbreaking to the men and women of the wing, and credited Sen. Jack Reed with earmarking $46 million in federal funds for the project.
“It was only through your selfless leadership and ardent determination which secured the vital resources, and most of all for your love of our service men and women in the Rhode Island Air National Guard that this day is here,” Wiggins said.
In addition to Reed, Rep. Seth Magaziner, State Sen. Alana DiMario, and State Reps. Julie Casimiro and Robert Craven were also in attendance.
