The 241st Civil Engineer Squadron Stays Busy!

Story by Maj Herb Porter - Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force

A "Humvee" is loaded into a cargo aircraft

The 241st Civil Engineer Squadron recently returned from Norway having participated in WarANG 98, a training exercise involving rapid runway repair, Norwegian style.  Meanwhile, other members are currently deployed to Otis Air National Guard Base near Falmouth, MS,  building the required infrastructure for fiber optic cable installation.  In addition, unit personnel will be deploying to Tyndall AFB, FL, later this summer to participate in Silver Flag 98, for additional wartime training.

The 241st Civil Engineering Squadron, headquartered at Camp Murray, Tacoma WA, participated in an overseas tour to Rygge Main Air Station, near Oslo, Norway, to learn the latest techniques regarding Reparable Airfield Operating Strip Operations (RAOS).  The two-week deployment from 9-23 May entailed learning the Norwegian Armed Forces method of repairing damaged airfields as a result of a hostile attack.  Forty-three Washington Guard members formed into teams that utilized a mixture of different Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC), working together on runway repair projects, following the Norwegian model. During the second week, 241st CES personnel were involved in a variety of repair projects including building a concrete pad for hydrazine storage, a new roof for a storage building, constructing a carport, and converting an aircraft parking area to a concrete surface for a liquid oxygen plant.  "It was a great opportunity for training.  It helped us tremendously in our command and control.  It was a real pleasure working with our hosts as they are very organized", said Maj Mark Ausman, Base Civil Engineer.

Currently, the squadron has nearly a dozen Guardsmen deployed to Otis ANGB, near Falmouth MS for a two week period.  They are helping to install the infrastructure required for the installation of fiber optic cable throughout the base. This entails installing underground conduits and concrete vaults to help facilitate the installation of the fiber cable.  A second installation team will rotate in during the latter part of July.

From 30 Aug to 5 Sept, another group of squadron members will participate in Silver Flag 98 at Tyndall AFB, FL, for additional wartime tasking and training. Deployed personnel will receive Base Recovery After Attack Training (BRAAT) which includes rapid runway repair training, together with other civil engineer responsibilities such as expedient repair of electrical, structural, sewer, and water systems.