Install Instrument Landing System (ILS) Infrastructure, Runway 07L
Client
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast
Location
Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida
Project Overview
Oneida delivered a $3.4M construction project to install critical infrastructure supporting replacement of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) for Runway 07L at NAS Pensacola. The project included demolition of legacy airfield navigation infrastructure, construction of new antenna foundations and equipment pads, grading and drainage improvements, paved access roads, underground electrical and telecommunications systems, and fiber optic connectivity to air traffic control facilities. Performed within an active airfield environment, the work enhanced the reliability and functionality of instrument approaches used for all-weather training and operational flight activities while maintaining uninterrupted airfield operations.
Services Provided
- Airfield infrastructure construction
- Demolition and removal of existing ILS systems
- Earthwork, grading, drainage, and erosion control
- Concrete foundations and equipment shelter pads
- Paved access roads and parking improvements
- Underground electrical distribution systems
- Fiber optic and telecommunications infrastructure
- Grounding and lightning protection systems
- Utility duct banks, conduits, handholes, and manholes
- Construction quality control and safety management
Key Highlights
- Constructed complete infrastructure to support installation of a new-generation ILS for Runway 07L at NAS Pensacola
- Demolished existing ILS equipment, antennas, concrete foundations, equipment pads, and supporting electrical infrastructure at both glide slope and localizer sites
- Installed new underground electrical and telecommunications systems, including power distribution, fiber optic cabling, duct banks, grounding, and lightning protection
- Extended backbone fiber optic communications to the Radar Air Traffic Control Facility (Building 3963) and Air Traffic Control Tower (Building 3962)
- Achieved zero recordable incidents across 8,566 labor hours while performing construction adjacent to active runways, taxiways, and runway end zones
Approach
Oneida executed the project with extensive coordination among NAVFAC, Air Operations personnel, government stakeholders, and specialty subcontractors to safely perform work in active airfield environments. The team implemented a comprehensive quality control plan that included daily inspections, testing, documentation, and the three phases of control process. Precision surveying, subsurface utility investigations, utility installation, and infrastructure construction were carefully sequenced to avoid impacts to aircraft operations. When heavy rainfall and groundwater intrusion affected excavations along the critical path, Oneida adjusted work sequencing to continue non-critical activities, maintained continuous communication with stakeholders, and completed the project within the modified period of performance without additional cost to the government.
Results and Impact
The project delivered a complete and operational infrastructure system supporting installation of a modern ILS that improves the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of all-weather flight operations at NAS Pensacola. The upgraded system enhances training and mission readiness while providing resilient electrical and communications infrastructure for long-term operational support. The project earned Exceptional CPARS ratings for Quality and Management, with government evaluators citing Oneida’s professionalism, communication, quality control processes, and outstanding safety performance, while recommending the company for similar future projects.
