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thedrifter
02-23-08, 11:36 AM
MARSOC breaks new ground
KEVIN FORSYTHE
2008-02-23 00:48:00
DAILY NEWS STAFF

Marine Corps Special Operations Command is a step closer to having a new headquarters.

Friday's groundbreaking ceremony at Stone Bay marked the beginning of a $51 million project that is anticipated to be completed in 2010. The new Headquarters Building itself, considered a top priority, is earmarked for completion in the fall of 2009.

"It's important that we have first-class facilities for a first-class operation," said Adm. Eric T. Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations, as he addressed a large group of dignitaries attending the ceremony.

In addition to the new Headquarters Building, the project will include new medical, academic, training, housing and equipment storage facilities.

A few of the plan's specifics call for a new armory, three barracks and a parachute loft.

Col. Michael Loudy, assistant chief of staff logistics, said the new facilities are much needed to help consolidate MARSOC.

"This will provide us a home," said Loudy. "Currently we are in interim facilities scattered about the base."

MARSOC is comprised of approximately 1,700 Marines, sailors and civilian employees. However, within the next year, that figure is expected to grow to 2,600.

Working primarily in small groups, Special Operations missions fall within six categories: short-duration strikes, special reconnaissance, foreign international defense, counterterrorism, unconventional warfare and information operations.

"Warfare has changed," said Maj. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. "We're the most powerful military in the world, and the enemy doesn't take us on directly anymore."

Training Marines to be prepared for unconventional warfare is a driving force behind the planned facilities.

"Consolidating our facilities in a primary location helps in both efficiently and effectively conduct training," Loudy said.

While the current project is large in scale and scope, additional construction of MARSOC facilities is anticipated in the relatively near future. Current funding does not call for construction beyond the two-year plan.

"It's important that you get started - that helps you find out exactly what you need," Loudy said.

If all goes as hoped, by 2015 there could be additional plans in place for continued growth at Stone Bay.

But MARSOC isn't getting ahead of itself. After all, the current plans were "in the works for awhile," Loudy added.

"This sets a heritage for us, a history," Loudy said. "Our people will come home here."

Ellie