The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies has broken ground on a new wing.

The $12.7 million expansion project for a new learning center is expected to be completed in April 2012.

The center in Fort DeRussy in Waikiki held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, the same day it commemorated the institute’s 15th anniversary.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Defense Department academic institute.

Uniformed and civilian representatives of U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations attend classes, professional exchanges and outreach events at the center.