Ellsworth opens Doolittle Indoor Archery Range

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen, their families, civilian employees and retirees came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Doolittle Indoor Archery Range during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jan. 15.

The event was the culmination of more than 195 hours dedicated to planning, organizing and restructuring a former warehouse facility.

"It took a lot of teamwork to make this project a success," said Col. Thomas J. Goulter Jr., 28th Mission Support Group commander. "It couldn't have been done without the hard work and planning of numerous agencies and individuals - especially Brian Peterson, Life Scout of Troop 28 Boy Scouts of America."

Peterson managed most of the construction and logistics required to build the range assisted by his Eagle Scout mentor, Maj. Nathan Barrett, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer.

"I couldn't have done this without everyone's help," said Peterson. "I'm very happy this project has been a success and Airmen along with other archers will get to use the facility to have fun and hone their skills."

Located in Bldg. 7613 on Tinker Drive, the climate controlled, 24/7 indoor archery range offers four stationary 35-yard targets, eight lanes of movable targets, and two stationary 10-yard youth targets. The facility is also equipped with restrooms and seating.

To be eligible to use the facility, people must sign up for a membership that can be obtained through the 28th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation office during Mondays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information or to become a member, call the 28th FSS Outdoor Recreation office at (605) 385-2997.