Joint Rapid Airfield Construction (JRAC) Program 2004 Demonstration Project--Fort Bragg, North Carolina

This report describes the demonstration of technologies and procedures developed during April 2002 and May 2004 under the Joint Rapid Airfield Construction (JRAC) Program. The demonstration took place at Sicily Landing Zone (LZ) at Fort Bragg, NC, in July of 2004. The objective of the exercise was to demonstrate the procedures and technologies developed under the JRAC Program by rapidly building two parking aprons capable of supporting C-130 transport aircraft taxiing and parking operations. The exercise was conducted under continuous 24-hr operations to simulate a real-world rapid construction environment. Apron 1 (north apron) was constructed using two technologies, one-half being ACE™ Matting and the other half being a cement-polymer stabilized soil surface. Apron 2 (south apron) was constructed solely of a fiber-cement-stabilized soil system. Both aprons were treated with a polymer emulsion surface application to form a sealed surface against abrasion and water infiltration. The entire construction of both aprons required 76 hr, with Apron 1 finished in 48 hr. The construction of Apron 1 was validated by operation of a C-130 aircraft approximately 31 hr after completion with success and high praises from the aircraft flight crew on the stability and surface of the apron, as well as its dust-abating characteristics.

A new species of Buccinum from California (Gastropoda: Buccinidae)

Buccinum macleani n. sp., from off Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, California, is described. The new species is placed tentatively in the genus Buccinum (s.l.), based on radular characteristisc and shell morphology. It differs from all other eastern Pacific Buccinum by its very compressed profile.

A Call to Arms

North Carolina had over 50 military bases and installations and trained some 2 million troops during the war. The major bases were Army Camps Fort Bragg, Butner, and Mackall; Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point were Marine installations. There were several major Air Force installations such as Seymour Johnson and Pope Air Force bases. The new forts led to jobs in construction and massive influx of new residents that led to overcrowding and lack of city services.

After September 11

Brigadier General Stanley McChrystal stood near the door of a C-130J transport, ready for a practice parachute jump near Fort Bragg, when the air force jumpmaster leaned over to say something to the lead man, McChrystal’s boss. It was September 11, 2001. McChrystal overheard...