While air conditioning for military family housing and dormitories is years away, some base facilities will have it in time for next summer.

The base chapel and the Richard I. Bong Training Facility — which also houses the base movie theater — are getting air conditioning as renovations included under several U.S. Air Force-funded projects here this summer, costing more than $7 million.

The training center is receiving a $2.3 million facelift to better accommodate military training, said Vistasp Jijina, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron contracts element chief.

Renovations include a new roof to the 50-year-old building, more floor space, new seats, fixed-up bathrooms and air conditioning. The project is slated for completion by November. The base theater is still open, but portable toilets are in use.

The chapel, meanwhile, closed its doors about three weeks ago, with worship services moved to the Mokuteki Community Center ballroom.

The $2.9 million project will enhance the sanctuary and improve administrative and counseling spaces, "bringing it up to modern architectural standards" and giving chaplains more privacy, Jijina said.

The finished product will include improved bathrooms, new carpets and light fixtures, air conditioning and a new drop ceiling.

The chapel is expected to reopen in about a year.

For information about worship services, call DSN 226-4630.

Another major Air Force construction project at Misawa this summer is construction outside the main gate.

"We’re bringing the main gate up to force protection standards and improving traffic flow," Jijina said.

Serpentine lanes will be added to slow down vehicle traffic coming onto the base, and a canopy will be built at the entrance to protect gate guards from the elements. The $2 million project is expected to be completed by November.

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