AF civil engineers BEEF up Marine Corps mission

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa B. White
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen and Marines worked together to build sun shades to improve the quality of life for a new F/A-18 Hornet squadron Sept. 23 and 24 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The 777th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron, also known as the Base Engineer Emergency Force, provided the skill set and received help from members of the 232nd Marine Fighter Attack Squadron to set up the structures for their aircraft.

The F/A-18 squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., is the first Marine Corps unit of this type here and has been in place for about four months.

"We're here to provide them with better facilities, and it works out great because they're hard workers," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Wissmann, a 777th EPBS structural journeyman. "It's really hot out here so we're working together as fast as we can to get the job done."

On the work site, Airmen and Marines worked side-by-side to fasten bolts, move arches, secure a canopy and operate machinery in a smooth partnership.

"I like being out here with these guys," said Cpl. Cody Deppen, a 232nd VMFA structural and hydraulics mechanic. "It's a good change of pace from the day-to-day work. I never get the chance to work with them back in the states."

The Prime BEEF squadron is in the process of building 10 sun shades for the unit. Squadron members expect to complete the project in November. It typically takes the group about a day-and-a-half to complete one, with an additional week to pour the concrete blocks and allow them to cure before they are able to anchor each structure.

Building the sun shades will enhance the quality of life for the Marines who work on the aircraft and will increase mission effectiveness. A survey showed temperatures 30 degrees cooler under the sun shades, according to Sergeant Wissmann. Summer temperatures at KAF can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Sometimes the sun makes the jets so hot that they're too hot to work on," said Lance Cpl. Drew Petti, 232nd VMFA aircraft ordnance technician. "The shades create a great improvement in temperature ... the improvement is great."

The Prime BEEF squadron, which handles smaller-scale construction projects than REDHORSE units, falls under the 577th Prime BEEF Group at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and is one of three Prime BEEF units in the country.

"I like the fact that I'm improving the quality of life and helping others, especially those who put their lives on the line every day," Sergeant Wissmann said.