NAS Pensacola


Location:	Pensacola, FL

Building Series:	TITAN®

Building Sizes:	(2) 18' wide x 60' long (5.4m x 18.2m) (1) 24' wide x 60' long (7.3m x 18.2m) (1) 70' wide x 60' long (21.3m x 18.2m) (1) 96' wide x 45' long (29.2m x 13.7m) Cover for Main Entrance

Application:	Vehicle Inspection Stations

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The Need

Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola was in need of shelter for the base officers charged with daily security duties. The structures needed to cover the front base entrance as well as strategic security checkpoints throughout NAS Pensacola. Ron Catone, operations officer for the Police Department NASP, researched several tension fabric structure companies. "I spoke with the police department in Rhode Island about their increased need for enhanced security after 9-11. They contracted Summit Structures for several vehicle inspection buildings and were pleased with their structures," told Catone. After a site visit from Summit Structures and conversations with the engineer assigned to the Rhode Island project, NAS Pensacola turned to Summit Structures for a solution.

"In actuality, I didn't choose Summit based only on price. Everyone I dealt with at Summit Structures, I had a good rapport with. They are all outstanding folks," said Catone. "The attention to detail was impressive. I was amazed at how many different members of the Summit team assisted in the sales and installation processes."

The Solution

NAS Pensacola put in a request for the following five buildings from Summit Structures:
(2) 18' wide x 60' long (5.4m x 18.2m)
(1) 24' wide x 60' long (7.3m x 18.2m)
(1) 70' wide x 60' long (21.3m x 18.2m)
(1) 96' wide x 45' long (29.2m x 13.7m) Cover for Main Entrance

"Based on the way the government works with their budgetary dollars for fiscal year end, when the Navy needs something, the timelines are aggressive. Additional dollars normally come available at the end of September and decisions need to be made very quickly," said Catone. "I was worried that Summit Structures would not be able to meet the turnaround timelines, but they came through for us."

The Project

The largest structure onsite uses the proven TITAN® Low Slope ViperSteel® galvanized frame - built in accordance with strict military specifications to meet or exceed all regional building codes. Summit's DuraWeave® FR fabric was chosen in a navy color scheme. The building serves as a cover for the main gate entrance into the base. "The 96' wide x 45' long (29.2m x 13.7m) TITAN® structure keeps the officers out of the elements. It is a whole lot better than what we had before," said Catone.

The additional structures are used as vehicle inspection stations at various locations on the NAS Pensacola base. Regardless of weather conditions, officers tasked with standing watch are able to carry out an efficient inspection of every vehicle entering the base. Neither precipitation nor the sun's reflection obscure views within the vehicles, and inspection equipment is protected from exposure to the elements - thereby extending its life and ensuring performance.

Additional Comments

Of particular notice, the five structures erected in December of 2003 still remain after Hurricane Ivan swept through the base in 2004. "Hurricanes are a common occurrence in Florida; you learn to expect them," said Catone. However the magnitude of Ivan was of the largest presence seen in the history of Florida hurricanes. "Normally hurricanes last up to two and half hours; Ivan lasted nine and half hours and was 100 miles wide," said Catone. While other Florida residents traveled to safety, Catone remained at the Pensacola base.

Out of the five Summit buildings on the base last year; only a few endured damage from Hurricane Ivan. "The Summit buildings faired extremely well compared to other structures on the base. We lost over 600 buildings due to Ivan," said Catone.

"I was impressed with the way the buildings stood up. The worst damage the Summit buildings suffered was to one of the larger TITAN buildings. We only had to have the exterior fabric membrane replaced on the 70' wide x 60' long (21.3m x 18.2m) building due to the extreme high winds and flying debris," said Catone. "Surprisingly though, there was no damage to the metal frame of the building."

Customer Feedback

The Navy's response has been very positive. "I'm extremely pleased with the outcome of the structures. The officers out there really appreciate the coverage from the elements. I've been getting a lot of positive feedback from the security staff," commented Catone. "That's why I have gone back and requested more dollars to invest towards another two Summit buildings."

"The structures are no problem to maintain, none at all. Overall a good experience with Summit Structures. We are very pleased with the sales and install teams. Timelines were on target; honestly everything worked out well," said Catone.

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