WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Each year, the 445th Civil Engineer Squadron completes a number of projects around the base, and 2017 was no exception. Since January, the 445th CES has successfully executed approximately one dozen individual projects, improving the mission effectiveness and morale of Citizen Airmen across the 445th Airlift Wing.
“A few of our biggest projects this year were the progress we made on Heritage Park, outside of the Wing headquarters building; the improvement to the exterior of the new 87th Aerial Port Squadron building, including tearing out the curb, building steps, and extending the landing; and repairing electrical wiring and installing lights for the base honor guard facilities,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Shelton, heavy equipment technician in the squadron.
While many other squadrons in the wing exist to train and prepare to support the Air Force Mission in a deployed environment, the 445th CES does not only that, but also enables everyone else to continue their important work without the hindrance of outdated, damaged facilities or non-functioning utilities.
“The primary mission of the squadron is base sustainment,” he said, “meaning the squadron ensures everything on the base is functioning properly so the overall Air Force mission does not suffer.”
In order to accomplish the wide variety of tasks, members contribute to the projects during unit training assemblies, annual tour, and on special orders. Senior Airman Austin Rollins helped pour 13 cubic yards of concrete for Heritage Park during three days of his home station annual tour.
“I just left active duty and I’m cross-training into this new job,” Rollins explained. “I am still learning the ins and outs of civil engineering, so it was neat to do that in a hands-on way that also benefitted my brothers and sisters in other squadrons.”
Shelton, who lives locally, opted to participate in nearly every project this calendar year.
“Another big, multi-day undertaking this year was the beautification of the Warfighter Training Center, which is frequently used for training by squadrons like the 445th Security Forces Squadron,” Shelton said. “We repaired the rooves on a few buildings, disposed of a ton of old razor wire, and cut back some of the grass and shrubbery that had overgrown.”
The civil engineer career field is divided into numerous sections, like structures, utilities, fire, and operations, among others.
“We all kind of work together on most jobs,” Shelton said. “When we don’t have the tools needed to finish a task, the 88th Airbase Wing partners with us to loan the needed equipment. We are responsible for allocating the personnel, resources, and equipment to accomplish tasks for the 445th.”
Some days, those tasks are not exactly grandeur, explained Tech. Sgt. Maggie Malidai, who is responsible for writing many of the orders needed throughout the year to activate members in support of various projects.
“Occasionally, we get requests for smaller projects that may not be a big deal to some, like when a squadron asked us to repair the shower in their locker room so their folks could shower after PT tests,” she said. “It does help to bring the morale up. We consider ourselves a big family, and we treat this place like home.”
The projects are often labor-intensive, and sometimes just plain unpleasant, said Tech. Sgt. Aaron Wright.
“The jobs aren’t always easy or fun, but someone out there is counting on it happening,” he said. “Someone has to do it, and we can, so we do.”