JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The 628th Civil Engineer Squadron's Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Requirements, or SABER, element is currently responsible for managing 37 construction projects with a combined value of more than $7 million.

The projects range from improving the base picnic grounds to replacing the air conditioning at multiple facilities. During the past six months, with oversight from Al Redmond, project manager with the 628 CES, eight of the 37 projects have provided much needed improvements for the base clinic.

These projects have included improving access to the facility by installing a new handicap access ramp at the rear of the building, replacing several roll-up windows at various locations and improving life safety by installing new fire rated doors and installing new emergency lighting throughout the entire building.

The overall condition of the facility has also been enhanced by resurfacing the loading dock, installing new anti-fatigue flooring in the pharmacy and replacing cabinetry in the dental clinic.

The most noticeable improvements at the clinic are probably the two projects which replaced the dental cabinets and installed emergency lighting. Outdated, well-worn cabinets were replaced with new, custom-built cabinets in more than 20 dental examination rooms and the X-ray room.

The emergency lighting project replaced or retrofitted 95 individual exit signs and emergency lights to meet current life safety standards and to ensure building occupants can be safely guided to appropriate exits during an emergency.