Eglin tower earns CE merit award

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - The Air Force Civil Engineer Center announced winners of the 2018 Air Force Design Awards by recognizing eight innovative projects for excellence in design and efficiency. The award-winning projects optimize and balance functionality, cost-efficiency, sustainability and aesthetics, according to Col. Scott Matthews, AFCEC Facility Engineering director. Two award levels were given this year: Honor Award, which is the highest achievement, followed by the Merit Award. The Air Force Research Lab's Variable Height Tower on Eglin AFB, Fla., earned a Merit Award. (Source: AFIMSC 10/25/18) Eglin’s 96th Civil Engineer group built the Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate’s variable height tower that rises to 90 feet to test next generation weapon sensors for the Defense Department. Its capability enables researchers on Eglin’s C-86 range to take improved sensor data because it reduces signal interferences caused by the warmer air and objects near the ground. The entire Eglin team revitalized facilities and infrastructure to support the next 50 years of weapons system development and base missions.