Space Force

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – While the U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea name is new for U.S. forces operating out of the base here, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District has been designing and constructing facilities here for well over a decade.

Europe District currently manages a more than $110 million design and construction program in support of the U.S. Army’s newest garrison in Europe – formally activated in August 2024 – and its key locations in Romania and Bulgaria. In fact, Europe District has had a forward team on the ground at MK Air Base for well over a decade at what is now called the Romania Resident Office.

The RRO team is in charge of on-site construction management for projects across both Romania and Bulgaria including at U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea’s MK Air Base location in Romania as well as facilities at Novo Selo Training Area in Bulgaria.

“It’s clear that USACE’s construction projects within the Black Sea region enhance the security of our NATO Alliance at a time and in a region with significant security challenges,” said Europe District Transylvania Project Office Team Lead Andrew Stanford. “Being an integral part of building on that capability and interoperability by means of expanding our force projection platforms in the region is highly rewarding and gives daily purpose to our drive and focus in delivering our projects.”

Starting in the mid-2000s, Europe District has overseen construction of several new facilities for what was then known as the Forward Operating Site MK, including road network, infrastructure, vehicle maintenance facilities, battalion and company administration buildings and more in use today.

With the basic infrastructure in place for troops, the mission has expanded over the years, with additional recent projects at MK Air Base focusing on the renovation and expansion of several existing facilities to support the rotational forces there, including the dining facility, clinic, multiple barracks facilities, administrative space and more.

Most recently, the team just celebrated the completion of the air base’s new hazardous cargo pad, which will support both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft and will bolster local airfield capabilities for both exercises and real-world missions.

“This project adds to the many projects that have already been delivered in recent years and even more construction still underway right now on base – all complementing each other to increase the operational capacity here and support the reinforcement of NATO’s Eastern Flank,” Europe District Commander Col. Dan Kent said to gathered U.S. and Romanian partners at the cargo pad’s ribbon cutting ceremony in August.

For more than 20 years, NSTA in Bulgaria has been a key training range for U.S., Bulgarian and Allied forces and has hosted several major international exercises. Over the years, Europe District has delivered a wide array of improvements to the range, like facilities built to support aviation operations, maintenance facilities and live fire ranges and more.

“NSTA is one of the most versatile training ranges in Europe, allowing for tank maneuvering, aviation exercises and everything in between for U.S., Bulgarian and NATO Allies to all train together,” said Europe District Bulgaria Lead Project Engineer Anthony Tintelnot. “It’s exciting to be able to deliver so many different projects to improve and expand NSTA, ultimately improving the foundation for readiness here along NATO’s eastern flank.”

The Europe District team recently turned over a new live-fire shoot house for preparing for indoor scenarios and construction is ongoing to build a new ammunition holding area.

In addition to projects at U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea sites, Europe District’s RRO team also oversees construction projects at other sites in Romania and Bulgaria, including Campia Turzii in Romania and Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria. These are mostly in support of U.S. Air Forces in Europe partners funded by U.S. European Command’s European Deterrence Initiative These EDI projects further bolster regional security by facilitating interoperability, increasing the capacity of these sites and supporting the capability of U.S. forces, NATO Allies, and partners to rapidly respond to any situation in the region should the need arise.

Regarding being part of the RRO Team, Stanford noted that working overseas, and specifically in the Black Sea region, is a unique experience he has appreciated.

“Working here in this region gives me a real sense of pride,” Stanford said. “Here in the Romania Resident Office we have a great team, extremely diverse international teammates, challenging projects, dynamic requirements and all on critical missions.” He added that their missions “Give us a strong sense of purpose and enhances the joy in getting our projects across the finish line safely, on time, within budget and to the quality required.”

He also emphasized some unique benefits not directly related to the mission.

“Romania and Bulgaria are some of the most naturally beautiful and untouched regions in Europe,” Stanford said. “The flora, fauna and expansive areas of natural beauty are just the icing on top working in this region of Europe.”

Maj. Jackson Elizondo, Military Personnel Flight commander assigned to the 911th Force Support Squadron, has been a driving force at the 911th Airlift Wing since joining us in 2019. A proud Boston University graduate, Maj. Elizondo commissioned in 2015 as a Developmental Engineer and played a crucial role in advancing the next-generation post-F-35 propulsion system during his time at Wright-Patterson AFB. Since transitioning into the Air Force Reserve, he’s made a lasting impact in Pittsburgh and was selected as Pittsburgh Magazines top “40 under 40” young leaders.

When serving as the Sustainment Services Flight Commander (2019-2023), Maj. Elizondo mobilized and deployed teams to support Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. His leadership during these challenging times ensured that 18 fallen service members were honored with dignity and respect. Under his command, the 911th Airlift Wing was the only 100% military-manned Dining Facility in the Air Force Reserve, saving $50,000 annually and ensuring essential services continued safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But his service doesn’t stop at the base. Maj. Elizondo is deeply committed to giving back to the Pittsburgh community. He serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA and The Malone Family Foundation and actively supports local charities through Leadership Pittsburgh’s alumni events.

Mental health advocacy is also a cause close to Maj. Elizondo’s heart. Since losing a dear friend, who was an avid runner, to suicide in 2019, he has helped raise over $35,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and organized a global running event to honor their memory, with participants from 21 states and 4 countries joining the effort to raise awareness. The next event scheduled to occur on the North Shore on November 23.

“I don’t want anyone to think that I could have been more involved in a space that I care a lot about,” says Elizondo. Crediting his parents with the ethos, “no matter how much you do or do not have, you can always give back.”

His dedication to service, both in uniform and in his community, reflects the core values we strive to uphold here at the 911th Airlift Wing. We are proud to have Maj. Elizondo leading the way as we prepare for the next chapter.