KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Robert E. Moriarty, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, visited Kirtland Air Force Base Friday to assess the state of base housing and dormitories and to discuss future opportunities.
Moriarty’s visit underscored the pressing need for investment in the installation’s infrastructure, particularly in light of the Department of the Air Force Installation Infrastructure Action Plan released in November.
The plan, unveiled earlier this month, aims to improve infrastructure across the Air Force by reallocating resources to installations and facilities that directly enhance operational readiness and quality of life.
Kirtland is home to 1079 housing units on the main base, including more than 200 homes built before 1960 that are currently in the dock for renovations. While most homes on main base were built less than 20 years ago, Moriarty observed aging facilities and infrastructure, noting outdated designs and the need for significant updates.
He visited units in the midst of renovations which will feature modern finishes and improved layouts. The tour highlighted the ongoing efforts to revitalize housing and ensure it meets current standards, aligning with the goals of the re-optimization plan.
Another area of interest on Kirtland is Airman dormitories, which Moriarty also toured. The three units on base were built between 1950 and 1953. While the dorms are 97 percent occupied, the Air Force as a whole recognizes that today’s Airmen require different needs than previously.
Edwards Air Force Base recently launched a new initiative to build the Air Force’s first privatized apartment complex which could be a model for Kirtland in the future.
In the meantime, Moriarty lauded the base’s initiatives to improve living experiences by installing automated mail lockers which improve security and accessibility to packages, noting that these should be a best practice.
The visit also discussed Kirtland’s unique configuration for community partnership in areas like housing and beddown of DAF missions. “We are looking at several options to develop Kirtland that align with the Infrastructure Action Plan, said Col. Jason Okumura, 377th Mission Support Group commander, “Some of these options include enhanced use lease, intergovernmental support agreements and continued public-private partnerships.”
Moriarty’s visit to Kirtland and to Cannon Air Force Base emphasized New Mexico’s role in national security that upholds key mission areas and strategic partnerships across the portfolio.