NATO special operations forces, comprised of 26 member nations and 3 non-NATO partners, celebrate the completion of a new, state-of-the-art 23,000-square-foot headquarters building during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at SHAPE in Mons, Belgium Dec. 12, 2012. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe Adm. James Stavridis and Lt. Gen. Frank Kisner, NATO Special Operations Headquarters commander, addressed distinguished guests and expressed their desire for the building to serve as an idea hub for 21st century special operations. During his remarks, Kisner thanked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District Benelux Resident Office team for its daily support in seeing the project to fruition. The USACE-managed $19 million project was completed in 23 months through a partnership with the joint venture contractors Bilfinger-Berger and Besix. During construction, 116 local subcontractors and suppliers were involved and local building materials were utilized. The facility meets strict environmental and energy savings standards and is U.S. Green Buildings Council LEED Silver certifiable. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Jennifer Aldridge)
USACE Europe District
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