thedrifter
03-20-09, 08:23 AM
MILITARY: Camp Pendleton getting new hospital
By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
President Barack Obama has announced construction of a new hospital to treat wounded troops and military retirees at Camp Pendleton, adding to a building boom transforming the base into one of the most modern in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The announcement came as bit of a surprise to officials connected with Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, leaving them scrambling Thursday for details.
Obama, who unveiled the project at the start of a two-day visit to the Los Angeles area, said it will replace the 72-bed hospital that opened its doors 35 years ago.
Officials at the hospital and the Navy command in San Diego that oversees it worked Thursday to get various Defense Department offices to allow them to discuss the details. That approval is expected to come Friday.
The hospital is about 10 miles from the base's main gate just north of Oceanside. Officials have sought money to retrofit it to meet state earthquake standards or to replace it outright.
The president made his announcement during a town hall meeting in Orange County as he discussed Southern California projects being undertaken as a result of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill approved by Congress last month.
"Because of the Recovery Act ... a new hospital will be built at Camp Pendleton that will give our servicemen and women the care they deserve," Obama said.
It was not immediately clear where the new hospital will be built. One proposal has it being constructed near the main gate.
The hospital, which overlooks Lake O'Neill, may be converted to an office building provided it meets the state earthquake requirements for that use.
Most of the people seen now at the hospital, both active-duty troops and military retirees, are treated on an outpatient basis. Those requiring more extensive care or long stays are treated at military facilities in San Diego.
More specific plans for the new hospital, including its overall size, capacity, and treatment areas, will emerge as officials get approval to talk about the details.
The new hospital adds to a massive, $2 billion rebuilding project taking place throughout the 250-square-mile Camp Pendleton, home to more than 40,000 Marine and sailors.
Recently completed, ongoing or planned construction includes new barracks, fitness centers, a guest lodge, headquarters buildings, training ranges and infrastructure upgrades as the base replaces many of its World War II-era buildings.
The construction also includes 256 houses, bringing the base's stock of single-family houses to 6,838.
The makeover, which also includes office complexes, armories, and an infantry training center, started last year and the majority of construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.
Earlier this month, the base launched its latest construction project, a $31 million Wounded Warrior complex. When finished early next year, it will house more than 100 injured Marines.
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
Ellie
By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer
President Barack Obama has announced construction of a new hospital to treat wounded troops and military retirees at Camp Pendleton, adding to a building boom transforming the base into one of the most modern in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The announcement came as bit of a surprise to officials connected with Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, leaving them scrambling Thursday for details.
Obama, who unveiled the project at the start of a two-day visit to the Los Angeles area, said it will replace the 72-bed hospital that opened its doors 35 years ago.
Officials at the hospital and the Navy command in San Diego that oversees it worked Thursday to get various Defense Department offices to allow them to discuss the details. That approval is expected to come Friday.
The hospital is about 10 miles from the base's main gate just north of Oceanside. Officials have sought money to retrofit it to meet state earthquake standards or to replace it outright.
The president made his announcement during a town hall meeting in Orange County as he discussed Southern California projects being undertaken as a result of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill approved by Congress last month.
"Because of the Recovery Act ... a new hospital will be built at Camp Pendleton that will give our servicemen and women the care they deserve," Obama said.
It was not immediately clear where the new hospital will be built. One proposal has it being constructed near the main gate.
The hospital, which overlooks Lake O'Neill, may be converted to an office building provided it meets the state earthquake requirements for that use.
Most of the people seen now at the hospital, both active-duty troops and military retirees, are treated on an outpatient basis. Those requiring more extensive care or long stays are treated at military facilities in San Diego.
More specific plans for the new hospital, including its overall size, capacity, and treatment areas, will emerge as officials get approval to talk about the details.
The new hospital adds to a massive, $2 billion rebuilding project taking place throughout the 250-square-mile Camp Pendleton, home to more than 40,000 Marine and sailors.
Recently completed, ongoing or planned construction includes new barracks, fitness centers, a guest lodge, headquarters buildings, training ranges and infrastructure upgrades as the base replaces many of its World War II-era buildings.
The construction also includes 256 houses, bringing the base's stock of single-family houses to 6,838.
The makeover, which also includes office complexes, armories, and an infantry training center, started last year and the majority of construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.
Earlier this month, the base launched its latest construction project, a $31 million Wounded Warrior complex. When finished early next year, it will house more than 100 injured Marines.
Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.
Ellie