U.S. and South Korea airmen christened a new building at Kunsan Air Base this week that replaces a deteriorating 1962 structure, part of a plan to phase out the base’s aging facilities, according to a news release.

The $5 million, 9,105-square- foot facility houses the 8th Operations Support Squadron’s radar approach and control group, or RAPCON, which protects and directs air traffic.

Construction began in May 2004, with the U.S. Air Force paying for $2.6 million and South Korea paying for $2.4 million of the project.

Six South Korean airmen and 25 U.S. airmen use the building, which opened on July 5, said base spokesman Master Sgt. Sean Houlihan.

Capt. Dawn Zink, the squadron’s airfield management officer, said in the release that lack of space and flooding caused problems in the old structure.

“We’re glad to be rid of those problems,” she said.

The new facility uses digital equipment, which makes aircraft more visible, the release said. The old building still is being used by the 8th Communications Squadron.

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