In today’s construction news, read about in Washington, key military installation and logistics leaders testified on President Donald J. Trump’s proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2026’s military construction financing. On the other hand, the Grafenwoehr area is bustling with construction. The Grafenwoehr Resident Office offers a variety of exciting experiences, including Army family accommodation, training facilities, and dog kennels.
Testimony of Senior Installation Leaders on the Suggested Construction Budget
Original Source: Senior Installation Leaders Testify on Proposed Construction Budget
Today in Washington, key military installation and logistics leaders testified on President Donald J. Trump’s proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2026’s military construction financing.
The officials told the Senate Appropriations Committee’s military construction, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies subcommittee that military installation condition affects mission readiness.
“I firmly believe that the strength and lethality of our military is built both on the weapons systems that defend us and on the readiness of our service members to accomplish the mission,” told the subcommittee.
“And make no mistake, our installations are weapons systems — just like our ships, tanks, and planes,” he said, adding that military installations must be ready for any military actions.
“Our installations underpin Army readiness, lethality, and warfighting. In his opening remarks, Army Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy chief of staff for installations, said installations are where our soldiers train, live, work, and prepare to defend our nation.
He noted that the Army’s planned military construction money will support a facility investment strategy that prioritizes building and infrastructure projects based on field commander input.
The subcommittee heard from Navy Vice Adm. Jeffrey T. Jablon, deputy commander of naval operations for installations and logistics, that outstanding military building supports Navy and joint force operations worldwide, especially in hazardous places.
“We are focusing our efforts to prioritize and program resources to repair, modernize and replace critical infrastructure directly supporting operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific [region],” he said.
Space Force Brig. Gen. Zachary S. Warakomski, assistant deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear, said military construction project funding allows for infrastructure balance across weapons systems and support portfolios.
“[Military construction] priorities focus on increasing capacity and reducing risk to mission with an emphasis on … security improvements and assured access to space,” stated.
Officials also emphasized that mission preparedness is linked to military personnel readiness and quality of life.
“We want to ensure our warfighters are able to deliver 100% of their effort to their missions without having to worry about issues with their housing or the health and safety of their family members back home,” he said.
He noted that DOD is committed to ensuring department housing satisfies health and safety standards and delivers a great living experience for service members and their families.
Despite financial issues, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Sklenka, deputy commandant for installations and logistics, said the Marines are accelerating the construction of new, high-quality barracks by 2030.
“Additional funding is indeed required, but so is leadership,” Sklenka said, adding that the Marine Corps commandant has stated the service’s commitment to Marines and their families.
“Without question, our airmen are the foundation of the Air Force,” Air Force Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering, and force protection, testified. The Air Force’s proposed request will invest in new housing and child development centers to improve service members’ and families’ quality of life.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified at congressional hearings last week that enhancing service members’ and their families’ lives is a priority.
On June 12, 2025, he told the House Armed Services Committee that all quality-of-life efforts in the proposed defense budget are based on force feedback.
“We will keep listening and looking for ways to improve their quality of life,” Hegseth.
Grafenwoehr Construction Improves Preparedness and Quality of Life at Top U.S. Power Projection Platform
Original Source: Grafenwoehr construction supports readiness and quality of life at premier U.S. power projection platform
Grafenwoehr construction is heating up. From Army family housing to training facilities to dog kennels, Grafenwoehr Resident Office life is never dull.
The Grafenwoehr Resident Office, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, on the Tower Barracks portion of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Germany, is handling several major construction projects to improve living conditions and support U.S. forces in Germany.
“The Grafenwoehr Resident Office supports the warfighter and has a large responsibility. Staff quality makes the office successful, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bavaria Area Engineer Edwin Vásquez. As we take on more work and responsibility, we want to hire additional people with exceptional teamwork, reliability, and practicality.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teammates at the Europe District headquarters in Wiesbaden and at the Grafenwoehr Resident Office are working with USAG Bavaria, 7th Army Training Command, German construction partners, and others to complete many projects in and around Grafenwoehr.
Daisy Pate, Bavaria Program Manager, said, “I recently asked to take on this role, and I’m truly honored to lead such a dedicated group of project managers delivering the Bavaria program. We’re happy to serve Europe’s Army operations by delivering facilities that improve preparedness, international training, and make things ‘Better In Bavaria’ through strong partnerships with our Host Nation teammates as the project management team.
The Operational Readiness Training Complex project is the largest. When finished, the ORTC will have a brigade headquarters, seven battalion headquarters, seven company headquarters, seven officer’s quarters, 14 barracks structures, three dining facilities, seven vehicle maintenance facilities, and organizational parking. Up to 5,000 Grafenwoehr rotational forces personnel will use these facilities.
As ORTC Program Manager, I know that cooperation and stakeholder partnerships generate success. Working with our Host Nation partners, stakeholders, and Europe District team is a privilege. This collaboration shows our dedication to excellence and mission success. ORTC Program Manager Erasmo Rivera said the facilities being built improve soldiers’ quality of life and USAG Bavaria’s readiness and resiliency.
While ORTC buildings have not yet risen, construction is continuing on site infrastructure, including utilities and roads, which resembles a small village.
Europe District is also building a new mission training center to improve training and readiness for Grafenwoehr soldiers. The new complex will have classrooms and training facilities to increase U.S. and international forces’ capabilities utilizing cutting-edge technology. Even though the ground is still being cleared, the complex should be finished by 2026.
The 131st Military Police Detachment’s Tower Barracks Working Dog Kennel is nearly complete. This Combined Military Working Dog unit – Europe unit supports USAG Bavaria law enforcement. It also uses its dogs for law enforcement and security at other locations. A contemporary kennel for their team will shelter and train 14 dogs, replacing a 100-year-old facility.
“The new buildings will also provide a safer environment for the dogs structurally and a more sanitary waste disposal system,” said Europe District Project Engineer Lauren Wougk.
The building has offices, a kitchen for food production and storage, training rooms, a dog medical exam room, and kennels. The detachment should arrive this summer.
Tower Barracks is building facilities to improve operational capabilities and preparedness, while Rose Barracks in Vilseck is caring for Soldiers and their families. Europe District is building 17 duplexes for USAG Bavaria Soldier families. Two four-bedroom or two three-bedroom residences make up each unit. Two disabled-accessible single-homes exist. This gives Soldier families 36 new houses. The project includes playgrounds, community meeting areas, and more.
Army families are slated to move in by June 2026 after the housing project is finished. In recent years, Europe District has worked with USAG Bavaria to build over 50 contemporary Army family houses and community elements at Rose Barracks. This is the third phase.
“Every facility we help deliver supports Soldier readiness and quality of life,” said Chrystina Remley, Europe District’s Bavaria East Branch Senior Project Manager. “We’re proud to be part of a team that takes that mission seriously and works hard to execute plans.”
Europe District also supports USAG Bavaria at Grafenwoehr with various projects, renovations, and more to help the garrison become a leading power projection platform for U.S. forces in Europe and the region.
“Seeing these projects come to life after years of planning and design is inspiring. “They will improve lives and work conditions for everyone in USAG Bavaria,” stated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District Grafenwoehr Resident Engineer Jonathan Byrd.
Summary of today’s construction news
To sum it up, one of his top aims, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statement during congressional hearings last week, is to improve the lives of service members and their families. All of the quality-of-life programs in the proposed military budget, he informed the House Armed Services Committee on June 12, 2025, are based on input he has received from the force.
On the other hand, to enhance USAG Bavaria’s function as a leading power projection platform for American forces in Europe and the surrounding region, Europe District provides various projects, renovations, and other assistance to USAG Bavaria in the Grafenwoehr area. It’s always encouraging to see projects that have been planned and designed for a while come to fruition. According to Jonathan Byrd, resident engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District Grafenwoehr, “they will significantly improve the lives and working conditions for everyone in the USAG Bavaria footprint.”
