Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Henry Obering

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency officially broke ground Friday on an 840,000-square foot building that will house more than 2,000 workers. The building is named Von Braun III and will be located next to the Von Braun I and Von Braun II offices at Redstone Arsenal.

The six story VB III building, called the “crowning jewel in the entire Von Braun Complex” by MDA’s Director, Lt Gen Henry Obering, will provide continuity of operations and mission as the Agency responds to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision.

“Between now and 2011, the majority of people in the Missile Defense Agency will transition out of the National Capital Region. Many will relocate to Greater Huntsville Alabama and work here in the Von Braun Complex,” Obering said.

Of the 2,248 positions relocating from the D.C. area to Redstone Arsenal by September 2011, the VBIII’s scheduled completion date, 911 military, contract and government civilian positions have already been realigned. Construction will be completed in two phases with 800 to 1,000 workstations ready by spring of 2010.