MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (USTCNS) --- In an effort to introduce the new Air Force logo to the public and potential recruits, the Air Force chose McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to have their water towers featuring the image.

McChord is the first base to complete the project of incorporating the new logo onto their water tower. The base tower holds 150,000 gallons of water and stands 166-feet tall. It towers above the 176,000 cars passing by the base on Interstate 5 daily.

Other bases were chosen to place the new logo near their main gates. Currently only McChord and Lackland will have the water towers painted.

The 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron sent the bid out for the contract to paint the tower. Ostrom, a local company, won the bid.

"We think the contractor did an excellent job on the tower," said Gary Hall, chief of construction management. "The project started Aug. 21, and we're doing the final touch-ups Aug. 25. They'll also put a clear coat on it Aug. 28."

The logo covers an area of approximately 16 by 24-feet. CES worked closely with the contracted painters and with Headquarters Air Force Civil Engineers, who provided the guidance on the size and location of the symbol and the text, said Matt Kitterman, engineering project manager.

The paint job cost $10,623, according to Kitterman.

"That's money well spent if our return is what we hope it will be," said Maj. Bill Barksdale, chief of Public Affairs. "Hopefully the symbol along with the new Air Force commercials will inspire people to join us and support us like our force deserves." (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).