CE Airmen answer Army's call

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (AFNS) --  Air Force combat-trained engineers are providing construction and support services to Soldiers in Iraq. These Airmen, assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Detachment 3, are not only working with the Army, but in it.

"Our team here was brought in to help the Army's Construction Battalion, and we can provide the vertical asset they need, which basically means we provide everything that goes above ground to include electrical, water and heating and cooling support," said Capt. Rebecca Corbin, 732nd ECES Det. 3 commander . 

While some of the Airmen are filling Army civil engineer positions, they have adjusted their operation so they can provide the services neeed in a true expeditionary manner -- anytime and anywhere.

"We partner up, plan out projects, get all our materials together, do our designs and then go out to a remote location and build up a base so that like in many cases, the Army can be partnered up with the Iraqi army so they can work together," Captain Corbin said.

The team includes Airmen with plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electrical and heating, ventilation and air conditioning skills. It also includes heavy equipment operators, vehicle maintainers and logistics or supply Airmen, all doing their jobs, sometimes in dangerous areas within Iraq.

"Many times we are out doing projects wearing our body armor and helmets with our guns strapped to our backs," Captain Corbin said. "The actual impact we are making for these Soldiers is great and they really appreciate the support we provide."

While each rotation of engineers provides similar services, each one has a signature project that defines their deployment. For Captain Corbin's team, this project is Operation Flint Hills, a simple stretch of highway the Airmen re-paved and made safer for military and civilian travelers.

"It's only every so often that a project comes along that will impact the local population so much that people literally across the country are interested in the progress and outcome," the captain said.

The project includes a robust convoy checkpoint which allows civilian traffic to move freely, something local residents have not seen since operations began in the region.

"The scope of the project kept us positive," said Staff Sgt. Richard Hellyer, 732nd ECES heavy equipment operator." I feel like we increased the local quality of life as well as the safety for everyone who will now drive on that stretch of road."