Nothing says spring here is at last here better than word that winter heating operations aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico will soon be coming to a close, with summer cooling actions set to begin shortly afterwards.

Depending on weather conditions, heating operations will begin shutting down “on or about” April 1, according to a directive from Kirk Nelson, director of Installation and Environment Division. Cooling systems are scheduled to begin operations a little more than a month later on or about May 15 as long as the weather permits.

The initial focus will be on barracks, work and living spaces and chow halls, said Navy Cmdr. Joe Greeson, the base Public Works Officer. Each of the large boilers in the buildings are old and will require specific checks to make sure their systems are realigned properly, Greeson said.

“We want to make things as comfortable as possible for everybody,” he said, “but understand that we don’t control the weather.”

The systematic shutdown of heating operations will be an “extensive effort” that will require approximately 30 days, Nelson said in the directive. Once a building has been shut down, it will not be reactivated.

Organizations having special requirements for an early start-up to cooling systems are required to submit a written Work Request form (NavFac 9-11014/20) with justification to the Facilities Maintenance Section.

Questions and concerns can be registered at the Trouble Desk at 703-784-2072.

— Writer: jhollis@quanticosentryonline.com