FROM PROTECTING OUR HOMELAND TO HOMELAND SECURITY
When you think of potential locations for homeland security initiatives, there’s not a better place to start than a former military base. K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base located in Marquette County, Michigan was closed due to the Base Realignment and Closure Act in 1995. Nearly 13 years later, the development is flourishing as an aviation/industrial park with an eye on the homeland defense industry as a potential growth area.
“The Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security are currently operating a border radar facility at Sawyer’s former command center, however, they only occupy about 2,500 sf of a 130,000 sf building. We would like to see that tenant base grow,” said Vikki Kulju, Executive Director for Telkite Enterprises, LLC, the building landlord.
The former SAC base command center, more commonly known as the SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) Building; was built by the Department of Defense to withstand a nuclear attack. It is the point of presence for AT&T’s switch gear and boasts 4 back-up diesel generators.
“If you want security and reliability, this is the building for you.” said Kulju.
Likewise, if security and secrecy are important, the remote location of this Upper Peninsula Airport is worth investigating. The 12,300 foot runway is surrounded by acres of County forest land which provide a wonderful noise buffer, people buffer and safe areas for either performing crash tests or drop tests. And, with downtown Marquette only 15 minutes to the north, none of the big-city amenities are sacrificed.
“With open skies, nearby MOAs (Military Operating Areas), DOD fuel contract, climate variety, 12,300 foot runways, acres and acres of safe area, Sawyer International Airport has the infrastructure in place to support any aviation defense contractor or R&D project,” said Scott Erbisch, Sawyer’s Director of Operations.
One company which has taken advantage of the assets at Sawyer is Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Based in Stratford, Conn., Sikorsky is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacturing and service.
In 2007, Sikorsky selected Sawyer as its base of operations for the testing of its S-76++ helicopter. One of the requirements was that the testing be conducted at a large airport or airstrip with a manned control tower to maximize safety.
“Marquette provided Sikorsky’s 76C ++ flight test with the best balance of temperature, snow and a long runway for safety,” said David Morenz, Aircraft Manager. “The community, staff and facilities were top-notch. We will definitely use the facility again.”
“We’ve hosted NASA, Department of Defense, the Army and Sikorsky. We do whatever we can to meet their short-term or long-term needs,” said Erbisch.
This interest and the community’s ability to respond to the clients needs have resulted in the creation of an aviation incubator. Led by Lloyd Matthes, Director of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning District, the community has begun to assess the aviation assets and conduct conversations with various stakeholders.
“After conversations with Patrick Bubin, PTAC and Deanna Richardson, DC3, potential tenants and partners, I was convinced that there Sawyer is the solution to an untapped market,” said Matthes. “There are numerous defense and homeland security initiatives that have not been addressed. We want to provide the guidance, location, education, ass