Helicopter lands $43.2M for Corpus crown jewel

CORPUS CHRISTI – There’s a greener future, with improved safety for U.S. military personnel around the world, after a more than $34.2 million investment in Corpus Christi Army Depot’s (CCAD) helicopter maintenance facility.

Groundbreaking has been held for the planned 77,240-sf Aircraft Corrosion Control Facility. The facility will house the depot’s helicopter blade cleaning, surface treatment and painting operations.

"It’s a national treasure, and CCAD is its crown jewel," said John B. Nerger, deputy commanding general of Army Materiel Command.

The Aircraft Corrosion Control Facility will enable the depot to revamp the Army’s largest helicopters with decreased energy use and more environmental safety.

It also will help the depot continue meeting the state’s air permit requirements, while consolidating operations under one roof. A single location will minimize downtime previously caused by moving aircraft among maintenance facilities.

Construction is expected to be complete by February 2016.