Base firing range officially opens after 14-month, $2.1 million renovation Published Feb. 17, 2010 By Joe B. Wiles 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Senior Vance AFB commanders and members of the Enid Police Department attended the grand opening of the base firing range, Feb. 17, after a $2.1 million renovation totally enclosed the range. In place of a traditional ribbon cutting, the range was officially opened when a Humvee entered the range carrying Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander; Col. Tim Gibson, the 71st Mission Support Wing commander; Staff Sgt. Bradley Hancock, 71st Security Forces Squadron's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance; and Airman 1st Class Michael Correa, the most junior member of the 71st SFS. They drew 9 mm sidearms and engaged several tactical targets with live rounds. "That was fun," said Colonel Nowland. In addition to marking the official opening of the facility, the live-fire training exercise demonstrated how the enclosed range makes it possible to more realistically train deploying Vance Airmen in battle field defensive tactics. "This new range, and the combat arms instructors here, are crucial to successfully accomplishing our Wing mission of sending combat-ready Airmen downrange," said Colonel Nowland. "They need to know how to handle weapons safely and effectively." While the range was being renovated, Security Forces continued their firearms training at the Enid Police Department range. In appreciation for their help, Maj. L. Michelle Stringer, the 71st SFS commander, presented a plaque to Capts. Brian O'Rourke, Jack Morris and Bryan Skaggs of the Enid PD. The ceremony ended with a tour of the renovated classroom area and weapons cleaning room.