At Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, home to the first East Coast F-35B and F-35C squadrons, Michael Baker and Walsh Federal, LLC delivered a transformative leap in military aviation infrastructure. Their design-build team engineered and constructed a 150,003-square-foot, state-of-the-art maintenance hangar, purpose-built to support the Marine Corps’ most advanced aircraft and ensure mission readiness.
This facility sets a new benchmark for speed, efficiency and operational security. It features specialized workstations, secure space flight operations areas, hazardous material storage and robust anti-terrorism safety measures. Advanced underwing fire suppression and preconditioned air systems maintain peak performance for the F-35 fleet, while the hangar’s robust steel and precast design ensures a 50-plus year service life.
Beyond the hangar itself, the project encompassed significant infrastructure upgrades: revamped taxiways, renovated aircraft aprons, enhanced electrical grounding and sunshade installations, all reinforcing MCAS Cherry Point’s role as a cornerstone of Marine Corps aviation.
Innovation was central to overcoming complex site challenges, including navigating existing foundations and underground fuel lines. The team’s agile engineering, such as revising foundation designs to span over remnants of a demolished hangar, preserved both budget and schedule. The team prioritized sustainability through energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials and stormwater management strategies that protect the Neuse River Basin.
The result: a mission-ready, future-proof facility that not only meets the Marine Corps’ stringent standards but also supports economic growth and regional development. Michael Baker and Walsh Federal, LLC’s collaborative achievement ensures MCAS Cherry Point remains at the forefront of military aviation for decades to come.