JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Team Andrews leadership broke ground with the construction of a new building for the Helicopter Operations Facility here, Nov. 12, 2015. This project provides a 66,000 sq. ft. facility to consolidate two squadrons under the 811th Operations Group; the 811th Operational Support Squadron and 1st Helicopter Squadron.

The facility will provide space for mission planning, briefing, training, flight simulation, operations and administration enabling the 811 OG to function more effectively, under one roof.

"This project will make our Airmen more efficient at a job they already excel at," said Col. Brad Hoagland, Joint Base Andrews/11th Wing commander. "Pooling all of our resources and personnel for the 811th just makes sense."

The 1 HS provides rotary-wing response capability in support of continuity of governmental programs, medical evacuation and emergency response capability in support of Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region taskings; distinguished visitor airlift in support of Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force requirements and mission-ready Airmen for the world-wide contingency taskings.

The squadrons operate 24/7 and must be prepared to respond within minutes of the alert signal sounding and deploy.

"This groundbreaking is sign of commitment to teamwork and getting the job done well, with a high quality facility to serve the 11th Wing's very important mission," said Navy Capt. Frederick Burgess, Naval Air Facilities Washington commander.

Until now, no other facility on base could accommodate the mission requirements or house the vast number of personnel that support the 811 OG.

"We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact this facility will have on our 811 Ops Group, Joint Base Andrews, the National Capitol Region, and the Airmen across the nation," said Hoagland.