Naval Air Station Whidbey Island kicked off the new year with the demolition of a building that makes way for the future $36.15 million P-8A Multi-Missioned Maritime Aircraft Training Facility. The Navy started razing Building 126, a World War II 1942 wooden structure, on Jan. 6.

The 40,647 squadron foot structure was originally built as an administration and instruction facility. Over the past 70 years, it was home to the Operational Flight Trainer, Gunnery School, Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit Det Whidbey, Operational Control Center, Aviation Physiology, Naval Air Reserve Unit, Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Pacific Fleet, Air Operations Fire Fighting School, Navy College, VAQ-129 Prowler University and Squadron Augment Unit just to name a few.

Korte Construction Company, based in St. Louis, will construct the new 101,000 square foot space for eight operational flight trainers and six weapons tactical trainers with classrooms and administrative spaces. It should be completed in one year.