OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea— After five years the fourth and final phase of a construction and renovation project for the 51st Medical Group is now complete.
A ribbon cutting was held to mark the completion of this major expansion and renovation project, Nov. 26. Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) provided remarks during the event.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District is proud to be a part of this day as we cut the ribbon on this new and improved facility,” said Crary. “We’ve overseen changes that will greatly improve the quality of life for those individuals who will work here and the individuals in their medical care.”
The FED along with USACE, South-West Little Rock, were in charge of providing government oversight and being the contracting agent for this military construction (MILCON) project.
The facility was originally constructed in 1988, and through four phases has received a new addition and a series of upgrades.
Phase 1, completed in 2016, relocated medical assets closer to the hospital with a warehouse addition. Phase 2, completed in 2017, moved the physical therapy wing in to a new 12,000 sq. ft. space. Phase 4, completed in 2018, realigned the dental department with two oral surgery rooms, and merged the entire department into one area. Phase 4 included the general surgery and orthopedic department receiving a five patient bed clinic. Also, the multi-inpatient wing doubled their inventory from 13 to 23 patient beds.
“This hospital is just the latest example of the many collaborative efforts we have here on the peninsula,” said Crary. “In this case, teaming up with the Air Force in making this hospital one of the most comprehensive medical facilities in the U.S. military overseas.”
As service members and their families continue to relocate to Korea, the FED continues to support operations on the peninsula and provide engineering solutions.
“I have no doubt this world-class facility will provide a truly caring and hospitable environment for servicemembers who will need care for many years to come,” said Crary.