Above and Beyond The Call of Duty

Exploring the hard work ethic of Jacksonville in light of the anniversary of 9/11.

MIL-CON CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
General construction. Electrical contracting.

Contact:
Kathryn Christ, APR
904-307-4239

Kerry Bentley
President & CEO, MIL-CON
904-317-5601

Above and Beyond The Call of Duty. Exploring the hard work ethic of Jacksonville in light of the anniversary of 9/11

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) August 28, 2003 -- As our country struggled with the aftermath of 9/11, Jacksonville companies struggled on the homefront to support our troops. Many companies sent reservists to the frontline or out to sea. Others supported the families at home with special services. Still others played a part in providing mission essential services to active military forces.

MIL-CON, a general and electrical contracting corporation, is one such Jacksonville company. In business for nearly twenty years, MIL-CON is no stranger to defense contracting and the special demands this work requires.

However, just two days after the terrorist activities of 9/11, MIL-CON was awarded the contract to upgrade the existing infrastructure of the C-2 wharf located at Mayport Naval Station, homeport of the USS John F. Kennedy. Unbeknownst to MIL-CON, this project would draw upon all the resources of the company and challenge them to a new level of client satisfaction.

Immediately after the award and due to 9/11, the U.S. Navy began pushing MIL-CON into a tight timeframe which was complicated by the immediate increase in security measures. Urged to work as quickly as possible, MIL-CON was not given a timetable for the departure nor expected return of the aircraft carrier. These dates were considered classified information, yet they were critical for the proper planning of this design/build project.

Despite these challenges, MIL-CON stepped up to the plate and worked diligently to solve tough design and construction challenges, including laying 2,200 feet of cable under the active, turning basin at Mayport NS. The true test of timing came when MIL-CON was notified the aircraft carrier would be returning soon, yet still without a confirmed return date. Despite naysayers and with careful planning, hard work and overtime, MIL-CON managed to complete the nearly impossible task of finishing this significant project for the arrival of the USS John F. Kennedy.

This homecoming was critical to the morale of the Kennedy sailors, their families and loved ones, as well as all Americans facing the war on terror. It was much more important than usual that these sailors be greeted in a manner becoming their risk and sacrifice. Therefore, it was critical that MIL-CON complete the necessary work to ensure the wharf was operational and aesthetically pleasing.

Just hours prior to the arrival of the aircraft carrier, MIL-CON met the challenge and finished the project elements critical to the carriers return. In the end, MIL-CON completed this project one full month ahead of the original completion date.

This contract was awarded to us just two days after September 11, 2001," said Kerry Bentley, president and chief executive officer of MIL-CON. It wasnt hard for us to stir up some additional emotion and care for this important project for the U.S. Navy. At MIL-CON, we are proud to fulfill our patriotic duty by providing top-notch service to the military. Its our contribution to supporting the troops, upholding morale and keeping America strong."

In recognition of superb professionalism, cooperation, tireless efforts and most importantly, patriotism, MIL-CON was recently selected as 2002 Construction Contractor of the Year for Southern Division by the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). The selection committee made its recommendation based on the following criteria: customer satisfaction, quality, schedule, safety, cost control and partnering. MIL-CON was chosen from construction contractors throughout the southeastern United States including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

Captain P.G. McMahon, commander for the U.S. Navys Southern Division-Naval Facilities Engineering Command, said, MIL-CONs performance resulted in a top quality facility that supported the operational needs of the Navy and exceeded the clients expectations and contract requirements."

Its rewarding to be recognized for what we see as business as usual—quality, innovation and dedication to a job well done," said Bentley. While it is certainly exciting to be recognized by the U.S. Navy for exemplary work, we were also pleased to see the communitys response to the returning sailors," said Mark Thompson, senior executive vice president for electrical contracting.

The C-2 wharf project upgraded the existing infrastructure of Mayport Naval Station aircraft carrier pier to accommodate nuclear- as well as conventional-powered aircraft carriers. MIL-CON combined innovative construction solutions with an accelerated time schedule to meet the U.S. Navys critical needs. This design/build project was also recently honored by Southeast construction magazine as the 2002 Best of Florida Mechanical/Electrical project.

Founded in 1984, MIL-CON serves its clients with design/build, construction and electrical services throughout the southeastern United States. Approximately 65% of MIL-CONs portfolio is defense work for the U.S. military. MIL-CON specializes in a diversity of industries including administration, aerospace, aviation, defense, education, fire safety, healthcare, marine, recreation and training. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the award-winning company has approximately 200 employees. A branch office is located in Merritt Island, Florida.

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