JBER holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new DV quarters

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska —

The 673d Force Support Squadron held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new distinguished visitor’ suites Sept. 6, 2019 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The Northern Lights Inn received the facelift in the form of new suites to support distinguished visitors on JBER.

“This capability is a joint asset to help our community and is the culmination of years of planning, coordination and execution,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Diamond Cookson, 673d FSS commander.

The renovation project was awarded in October 2018 and was completed on Aug. 14, 2019.

“The objective of the project was to resolve a business-suite shortfall on the Richardson side for distinguished visitors and long term guests who have the Richardson Side of JBER as their primary temporary duty assignment location,” said Andrew Stavich, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron project manager.

The project consisted of demolishing eight visitors’ quarters on the first floor of the Northern Lights Inn and replacing them with four larger business suites.

“The new business suites double the footprint of the existing visitors’ quarters and are designated to be comparable to business suites available in the private-sector hotel industry,” Stavich said. “Each suite includes separate, spacious living and work areas with a kitchenette, dining area, private bedroom, and bathroom, along with new energy-efficient windows.”

Although the new quarters are located on the Army side of JBER, Air Force personnel will continue to manage and maintain the rooms.