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Civil Engineers keep Base X above ground

By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker, 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published December 09, 2009

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- When the heat is not working, the lights are out, and the toilet doesn't work like it use to, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron will answer the call day or night.

As the Air Force's own mister and misses fix-its, civil engineer Airmen are the structure behind the base, providing electric, heating ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, and construction support to tent city during the operational readiness exercise here Dec. 7- 11, said Tech. Sgt. Bobby Key, 4th CES electrician.

"We operate the power and the generators to every tent and to the hardened structures here," he said. "Sometimes, the way we work is affected by uncontrollable things such as the weather or emergency situations, but we find a way to do our job so others can do theirs."

Battling the elements is always a consideration for civil engineer Airmen, but in tent city, the absence of hardened structures and an excess of thunderstorms makes their job more difficult. However, they have stepped up to the challenge, ensuring every tent has electricity and heat.

"It took us about two weeks to help set up the heating systems in the tents," said Airman 1st Class Justin Mulholland, an HVAC apprentice with Base X. "This exercise gives us all a chance to train with each other in a different capacity than we normally would, so we're learning how to use teamwork to get the job done. From doing the evacuations to ensuring there is potable water, we all worked together."

Without the work of the 4th CES, the exercise would sink into the mud, literally.

Making sure the ground is secure enough for tents and vehicles is also an element of civil engineering. The heavy equipment and pavement section ensures walkways are paved and clearly marked and that the Base X ground is safe enough for the added weight of the tents, said Airman 1st Class Corderro Saunders, 4th CES, who has learned a few lessons during the exercise.

"I learned how to man entry control points, and that it is not as easy as it seems," he said. "You have to pay close attention to detail and you cannot be afraid to challenge someone, even people you know."

Base X tenants can work comfortably throught this exercise thanks to the hard work of the 4th CES Airmen, keeping the light on and the heat going.
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