From the ground up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Stanfield
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Have you ever wondered who matches the grooves in a key to a doorknob? The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) structural shop handles everything from the ground to the roof and the insides of facilities here.

The 4 CES structural shop consists of 22 military personnel and 8 civilians who are responsible for the structural maintenance of 335 buildings here. They manage, construct, repair and modify structural systems and wood work, masonry, walls, stairs, sheet metal, locks, roofing and concrete buildings. They also fabricate, install and repair components of buildings to include gutter systems, utility systems and property equipment.

"We can do it all," said Master Sgt. Emery Plumley, 4 CES heavy duty superintendant. "It is never a dull moment because each day is something new."

Airmen of the structural shop describe themselves as a family that takes care of each other and work. Depending on a job's requirements, it can take a minimum of two people to complete the task. The members credit their work ethic to completing their tasks smoothly and efficiently, with many laughs along the way.

"Between the different personalities and sense of humor, teamwork is the most important part of our shop," said Tech. Sgt. James Aimonetti, 4 CES structural shop NCOIC.

Airmen from the structural shop receive most of their training on-the-job. They are trained to know their job, the job below them and the job above them so the 4 CES mission is achieved efficiently during deployments. Their work ethic and dedication to their mission was nationally recognized as they were awarded the 2010 Air Force outstanding Civil Engineer unit award.

"We help the 4th Fighter Wing complete the mission here as well as downrange," said Staff Sgt. Marius Leak, 4 CES structural craftsman.

The structural shop's Airmen can fix almost anything on base. To contact the 4 CES structural shop for maintenance issues, call customer service 919-722-5126.