Aviation Rescue Swimmer School and
Physical Fitness Center

Pensacola, Fla.

The Aviation Rescue Swimmer School allows the Navy to consolidate its entire rescue training functions into a single modern precast facility. Characteristics of a Navy training pool that differentiate it from a typical pool include the ability to house two open parachutes and the ability to simulate the environmental effects produced by a helicopter water landing. Unfortunately, this simulation creates an environment that is highly corrosive and can contribute to mold growth. Precast insulated concrete panels' natural resistance to mold and condensation made them the obvious choice to mitigate this problem. Further taking advantage of the helpful characteristics offered only by precast concrete, all the electrical systems were cast into the load-bearing outer walls, which themselves eliminated the need for redundant exterior framing. Some other facilities incorporated into this project include fitness and aerobic rooms, racquetball and handball courts, and a martial arts center. Precast concrete has given our servicepeople the facility they need.

Precaster: Gate Precast Co. and Gate Concrete Products Co., Monroeville, Ala.
Website: www.gateprecast.com

Architect: C. H. Guernsey & Co., Oklahoma City, Okla.
Website: www.chguernsey.com

Engineer of record: C. H. Guernsey & Co.

Area: 153,439 ft²
Number of stories: 2
Structural system: precast concrete
Precast concrete components:

352 architectural precast concrete panels
4 columns
21 double-tees
2 beams