Navy Breaks Ground on Physical Fitness Center in Pensacola

PENSACOLA, FL -- Personnel assigned to Naval Air Station Pensacola broke ground on new facilities. A $79-million contract was award to construct a 53,377-square-foot Physical Fitness Center (see U.S. Navy illustration above), a 34,844-square-foot Aviation Rescue Swimmer School and two new visitors quarters. The projects, a result of the base's destruction from Hurricane Ivan in 2004, are expected to be completed in summer of 2007. The Physical Fitness Center will serve active duty, enlisted Department of Defense personnel, naval aviation rating students, base transient personnel, reservists and retirees at the base.