Topping Out

A construction worker secures the last beam of the new medical facility during a “Topping Out” ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. on Feb. 10. Last July, Holloman laid the foundation to replace the 44-year-old clinic with a new 101,126 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. This new facility will consolidate services from five buildings and put them under the same roof. The project is scheduled to be completed by November 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leah Ferrante)

Topping Out

Members of Team Holloman and construction workers gather to witness the “Topping Out” of the last beam being placed on the new medical facility at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. on Feb. 10. The tradition of “Topping Out” has become a custom of ironworkers, whenever the skeleton of a building is completed. Topping Out is a signal that the uppermost steel member is going into place, and the structure has reached its planned height. As that final beam is hoisted, an evergreen tree, a flag or both are attached to it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leah Ferrante)

Topping Out

The last beam waits to be placed on the new Holloman Medical Facility after being signed by members of Team Holloman on Feb. 10. The Beam was signed as part of a “Topping Out” ceremony. The new facility will be a major improvement to the 49th Medical Group, and is scheduled to be completed November 2017. “Due to the mission growth here at Holloman, we looked at how we could renovate the existing facility, and we found that a new facility would be more ideal and energy efficient,” said Maurice Lopez, the healthcare facility manager here. “We're looking at the ease of operation not only for staff, but for patients too.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leah Ferrante)

Topping Out

Published Feb. 9, 2016
By Senior Airman Leah Ferrante and Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson
49th Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As construction progresses on Holloman's new medical facility, workers are excited to be "Topping Out" the last beam of the new facility Feb. 10.

The tradition of "Topping Out" has become a custom of ironworkers, whenever the skeleton of a building is completed. Topping Out is a signal that the uppermost steel member is going into place, and the structure has reached its planned height.

As that final beam is hoisted, an evergreen tree, a flag or both are attached to it.

"On this Topping Out beam, we have had all the construction workers who have worked so tirelessly to complete the work sign the beam along with employees of the medical clinic," said Bob Thomas, the project manager for the new medical facility. "This represents a lasting reminder for each person of their part in the project."

Last July, Holloman laid the foundation to replace the 44-year-old clinic with a new 101,126 square foot, two-story, energy efficient and otherwise state-of-the-art facility. This new facility will consolidate services from five buildings and put them under the same roof.

The primary purpose of the new medical facility is to enhance the medical capabilities Holloman already provides. Adding state-of-the-art equipment to the new facility could earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification. This LEED certification examines water efficiency, indoor air quality, energy performance and other categories.

"Due to the mission growth here at Holloman, we looked at how we could renovate the existing facility, and we found a new facility would be more ideal and energy efficient," said Maurice Lopez, the healthcare facility manager here. "We're looking at the ease of operation not only for staff, but for patients too."

The new medical clinic is expected to be completed by November 2017.

(Editor's note: Some information from this story was provided by the 49th Medical Group)