Civil engineers bring unique capability to USAFE

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. J.D. Griffin
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  A military construction team has been created in the 86th Construction and Training Squadron here that brings unique capabilities to U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

This team, known as the Deployable Engagement USAFE Construction Engineers, or DEUCE, is rapidly deployable and can build alongside units of allied nations responding to disasters or developing infrastructure. Additionally, they assist with projects at USAFE bases.

"This team arrives quickly to work projects in war zones and contingency areas, to assist allies or provide support to USAFE bases," said Lt. Col. Mark Vivians, the 86th CTS commander. "They're all multiskilled and ready to go wherever and whenever the USAFE commander needs them."

The 18 members on the team have civil engineer specialties as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, surveyors and heavy equipment operators. Additionally, cross-training is a priority for the team, which increases the value of their presence on any mission.

"Our first deployment as a team to Royal Air Force Feltwell (in England) earlier this year demonstrated our capability to move and engage as a cohesive unit," said Capt. Karsten Lipiec, the flight commander. "We helped build a road there by performing the site survey, moving 4,000 cubic meters of material during the preliminary excavation, and working 3,000 tons of layered material."

On site, the team seizes every opportunity to further broaden its members' skills.

"At the RAF Feltwell mission, we had Airmen with five different career specialties operating heavy equipment and qualifying for certification," said Master Sgt. Craig Baller, the flight superintendent. "Each Airman received more than 200 hours of experience on the equipment."

While most civil engineering units focus on local base projects, DEUCE looks to accomplish missions at deployed locations.

"Because this team is designed to deploy to other countries, they will enhance theater security cooperation with our allies," Colonel Vivians said. "We're already looking at working on a hospital in Croatia and a school in Bosnia. This rapidly mobile team provides the USAFE commander with a unique international construction capability. There's no other team like this in USAFE."

Team members and their families are making the most of being part of this new USAFE unit.

"My wife and I are really excited about the opportunities we have here," said Staff Sgt. Raymond Stokes, the NCO in charge of engineering support. "When I'm at home, we'll take the opportunity to fulfill our dream of traveling Europe. And when I'm deployed, she'll get to focus on her photography business."

Additional support from the team's home unit, the 86th CTS, gives the unit a critical lifeline.

"From purchasing building materials to shipping things downrange, the entire CTS helps us project our capabilities," Captain Lipiec said. "We're planning five to six projects a year in theater security cooperation, exercise-related construction and troop training."

The team's leaders also gave a nod to the RAF Feltwell Civil Engineer Squadron.

"We got tremendous support from the CES team at Feltwell," said Master Sgt. Baller. "They had Airmen and equipment at the construction site every day. This gave us an opportunity to provide training, and shows how our presence can augment local assets."

As the new team prepares for their next mission, their flight commander spoke about some of his requirements.

"Flexibility is key in what we do," Captain Lipiec said. "It comes down to attitude and initiative. People must show teamwork, step up and help each other."

And members of DEUCE said they're ready for the challenge.

"I'm really excited about the opportunities I have with this unit," Sergeant Stokes said. "To go on missions around Europe and work with our allies is an incredible experience."