By By Chris Allen Baker/staff writer
Feb. 22, 2002
Naval Air Station Meridian officially opened its new air traffic control tower Thursday, giving controllers better visibility over McCain Field and improved observation of pilots in training.
The new tower is the final phase of a $3 million project that also included renovation of the adjacent air operations building. The federally funded project started in June 1999 and was completed last month.
The new eight-story tower stands 104 feet and has 3,940 square feet of working space. The old tower, which was removed, stood 80 feet and had less than 3,000 square feet of working space.
Chief Petty Officer Tommy Zottman, an air traffic controller, agreed.
Lt. Mike McCarthy said the new tower also helps air traffic controllers see above the tree line more easily than the older tower. He said the new tower features shades to reduce glare from the sun.
Members of the first crew to work in the tower also were pleased. Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris McDaniel, an air traffic controller, called it "a great new facility for us. We have so much more room now to do our jobs."
Zottman, who has worked in both towers, said the new tower maximizes training efforts and requirements.
Lower levels in the tower include offices and work areas for controllers.
Dickman attributed the federal funding of the tower and other recent capital improvements to a strong Mississippi delegation in Congress.