HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERNS AMID BLACK MOLD CRISIS
Living with black mold seems to be an unfortunate reality for residents living in Hunter Army Airfield housing. Numerous reports of black mold have made their way around the community at a military base that has had similar problems before. Unfortunately, while some steps were taken in 2022 when previous issues arose, the fact that the buildings now in question are not barracks, they are privately owned and require outside channels. The debate has begun surrounding the profits of privatized housing versus providing adequate living for Soldiers and their families.
Residents Report Mold at Hunter Army Airfield
People living in housing at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, are reporting that there is black mold in their homes.
This is an ongoing problem throughout 2024, separate from other black mold issues Soldiers have faced in the past.
From floor to ceiling, there are multiple reports of different black mold issues for homes at Hunter Army Airfield with the community searching for answers.
Hunter AAF homes are owned by Balfour Beatty Communities, a private company separate from the U.S. military.
This has made it difficult for residents to receive the attention and funding barracks have for similar issues while also creating friction between the company and some residents.
Some of the issues alleged by residents include black mold on ceilings and walls as well as in attics. Furthermore, reports of damage to flooring after falling ceilings which would lead to water damage and more mold issues.
Not an Isolated Incident
The problems seen at Hunter Army Airfield are far from new and far from isolated as there have been thousands of similar reports in recent years.
This came around a large-scale investigation conducted by the nation’s largest military branch, where around 70,000 buildings were inspected, with 2,100 facilities among them found to have mold in structures ranging well beyond housing.
Humidity plays a role in increasing these risks, which is why Fort Stewart was one of the installations with issues involving mold.
Several health risks spring from living with mold including respiratory issues, cognitive functioning, skin irritations, and more.
Despite a $288 million investment in 2024 with $10 billion set aside for expenses over a decade, these funds aren’t necessarily helping families in private housing.
Regardless, it’s clear that there is now still a lot of work to be done with no one willing to address it.
Is Anything Being Done?
There are resources for Soldiers serving in barracks, however, the advice being provided and steps that were taken have been much what you would expect.
Soldiers are given processes to report through the Army Maintenance Activity site, or ArMA app, or call their Directorate of Public Works (DPW) work order number, however, this leads to a few key issues:
- First off, these resources, such as assessments from a Mold Team, are specific to barracks. Housing is a different animal altogether.
- Secondly, these steps have been in place since 2022, yet Soldiers are still living in unacceptable conditions.
- Sadly, when it comes to issues in 2024, going into 2025, the mold found in Hunter Army Airfield housing doesn’t seem to be getting much attention or notable solutions.
Residents Share Shocking Photos on Facebook
In a private Facebook group, called Hunter Army Airfield Spouses, base residents have shared their frustration and personal experiences.
One resident shared, "My neighbors have black mold and housing just keeps telling them to just paint over it. This is such an issue a maintenance guy who used to work here quit because he was so tired of them telling him to just cover up or temporarily fix issues."
In addition to the black mold finding, some of the residents have reported also finding lead in the water.
In a Facebook post, one military mom explained, "So I've heard that every base has terrible water but I guess I underestimated how bad it really could be. My son had a routine checkup recently and they checked his blood for lead and it came back as a 14.1 which if you don't know is extremely high. We ordered lead testers and tested our water and sure enough that was the culprit."
Hunter Army Airfield Mold Problem: Families Deserve Better
It’s concerning to see so many within the military community struggling to live in respectable conditions, which is not ever okay for anyone, but especially families with service members defending our nation.
If these issues are indeed affecting housing both Balfour Beatty Communities and the U.S. military are failing our nation’s heroes and their families.
Solutions and transparency should be at the forefront when it's an issue of safety and quality of life. The families at Hunter Army Airfield dealing with mold issues deserve answers and a better living situation.
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