Aviano’s indoor firing range remains dormant

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The indoor firing range at Aviano Air Base, Italy, completed in July 2004, has yet to be used. Base officials believe it doesn’t meet Italian safety standards, though a certification team has yet to determine that.


Aviano’s indoor firing range remains dormant
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Monday, March 2, 2009

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — An indoor firing range generates considerably less noise than an outdoor one.

But no sound comes out of Aviano’s indoor facility.

The $2.7 million range was completed and turned over for use in July 2004. Almost five years later, a shot has yet to be fired.

"This is a very high priority on the base and we want to get it up and running as soon as we can," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, commander of the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron. "But we want to do so the right way, under compliance."

Base officials aren’t sure if the facility meets Italian standards. They’ve received some indications it probably doesn’t, but no official word. Bloomer said it’s up to an Italian inspection team to determine that and the base is waiting for a visit.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61065