A special ribbon cutting ceremony has been held to officially open a new state-of-the-art kennel facility built by our VIVO team at RAF Marham.
The buildings, for the RAF Police’s Military Working Dogs at the Norfolk base, includes 48 kennels divided into three separate blocks, each with an outdoor exercising area.
One of the blocks is a veterinary area with isolation kennels for dogs receiving treatment. The building also features offices and a relaxation area for the RAF Police.
The project - which replaces an existing outdated one - includes solar panels, plant rooms, a new access road, parking, cycle storage, two spaces for loading and unloading of vehicles, and diversion and connection of services.
It also includes underfloor heating for the comfort of the animals and speakers in each kennel that play classical music around the clock - to keep the dogs calm.
The facility was officially opened at a ceremony on Monday 23 September, 2024, where VIVO attended along with the RAF, our supply chain partners and DIO. Air Commodore Ady Portlock, the RAF's Air Officer Airbases, cut the ribbon at the event.
The building was designed in consultation with the military’s Veterinary Services Training and Advisory Team to ensure it met the requirements of the dogs and their handlers and complied with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The work was split into two phases, with the construction of all buildings undertaken by ourselves at VIVO with our supply chain partners after enabling work and groundwork was completed.
RAF Marham’s Military Working Dogs and their handlers are an important part of the security provisions for the station. They fulfil various roles including undertaking security patrols and as arms and explosive detection dogs.
Capt Nick Davenport, Garrison Engineer, said: “This new facility will provide more space and improved comfort for both Military Working Dogs and their RAF Police handlers. The dogs are a key component of the security of RAF Marham and their wellbeing has been our guiding principle throughout the design and build process. I’m very pleased with the end result and look forward to seeing the reaction of the dogs as they explore their new home.”
Group Captain Wigglesworth, Station Commander RAF Marham added: “The Military Working Dog capability at RAF Marham secures both the Station’s perimeter and the UK’s 5th Generation combat air capability, the F-35B Lightning Force. This new facility will give critical longevity to the Military Working Dog capability, providing a base for the dogs and their handlers that now matches their own exceptional standards, professionalism and commitment.”
Our CEO at VIVO Defence Services, Jerry Moloney, said: ”Thanks to all the teams that worked so hard to provide this great state-of-the-art facility at RAF Marham.
“I am particularly pleased we were able to complement the build with a number of environmental features such as rainwater harvesting, total solar power generation and air source underfloor heating.”
RAF Marham is one of the RAF’s frontline operational stations, housing the RAF’s first F35 Lightning Sqn (617 Sqn) as well as 207 Sqn, the Operational Conversion Unit. Additionally, it accommodates a range of engineering support functions and other small units with over 3,600 personnel working on site, including service personnel, civil servants and contractors. The dogs and their handlers are an important element of the security provision to this vital Defence location.